Coastal outbreaks update
Lions Gate Hospital
January 14, 2013
LGH no longer in outbreak
We are no longer in outbreak at LGH but will remain vigilant in order to avoid a reoccurrence.
Evergreen House
We are continuing to experience patients coming down with influenza here at EGH, requiring us to maintain the closure of 1 South, 2 South, 3 South, 1 North and 2 North.
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January 8, 2013
Norovirus outbreak continues at LGH
We are continuing to experience patients coming down with Norovirus-like symptoms here at LGH, requiring us to maintain the closure of 6 West. Given the outbreak protocols – an outbreak cannot be lifted until 96 hours after the last patient/staff member has displayed symptoms – we know that the outbreak will be in place until at least the end of this week.
Enhanced cleaning is ongoing
All staff and visitor fridges at LGH have now been cleaned and the fridge and kitchen on the 6th floor remain closed. Aramark staff are also conducting enhanced cleaning on a number of public/community areas within the hospital.
We are also taking measures to eliminate materials such as newspaper and magazines from these public/community areas as they are often shared between multiple people. We are continuing to encourage all staff who work on a unit with a Norovirus outbreak to refrain from eating in the cafeteria until the outbreak is lifted.
Staff experiencing Norovirus symptoms
If you experience Norovirus symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, we want you to focus on getting well and help us prevent transmission. Staff who experience GI symptoms, should please call the Absence Call Line at 604 639-4297 or toll free at 1-866-924-4297and follow the directions. We ask that you do not return to work until 48 hours after your symptoms resolve.
Further information to come
We will provide an update by the end of this week. Thank you for your help in preventing the spread of Norovirus.
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January 4, 2013
6 West – as a result of increased number of gastrointestinal symptoms on 6 West, an outbreak has been declared. At this time the unit is closed to all admissions, transfers and discharges to other facilities. As 6 West is an important unit supporting Orthopedic patients, contingency plans are in effect to continue to receive Orthopedic cases within the Coastal Community of Care.
This situation is being monitored very closely and there will be daily updates and regular outbreak meetings held with managers, infection control, medical director representation, and contracted services.