Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH) has about one-week’s supply of most personal protective equipment items, but a surge in cases could devour that stash quickly.
The hospital’s president and CEO, Norah Holder, hosted a media briefing today where she announced the PPE supply situation.
“CGMH has been working hard to follow protocols and conserve PPE at the hospital,” said Holder, adding the hospital keeps daily logs of its supplies and submits them to the Ministry of Health.
The hospital has also been working to increase the capacity for critical care beds.
“Currently we have five intensive care unit beds and two ventilators,” said Holder. “We hope to have seven intensive care unit beds by April 23.”
The hospital is also undertaking temporary renovations in the emergency department, and is planning for off-site capacity within proximity of the hospital to accommodate more of a surge in patients should it occur.
“This is monumental upfront work that is occurring and everyone is working flat out to prepare,” said Holder, giving kudos to the hospitals staff, physicians, and midwives for their dedication during the pandemic.
“Our hospital’s footprint is small … we will need every single health care provider to make this work,” said Holder.
There are 10 patients at CGMH waiting for transport to other facilities, Holder said for the most part they are waiting for places in palliative care and rehabilitation centres.
The hospital is currently at 53 per cent inpatient capacity, and is not offering any non-emergency surgeries.
“We are preparing for an expectant surge of patients in the near future,” said Holder.
Yesterday the Collingwood COVID-19 assessment centre performed 29 tests for the virus. So far, the CGMH confirmed three positive cases of COVID-19 in residents from the GTA who were sent home to self-isolate. There have been two cases confirmed in Collingwood men. The first - a 50-year-old man - has since recovered. The second is a 30-year-old man in self-isolation.
There has also been one COVID-19-related death at CGMH. A Wasaga Beach man in his 70s died there on Saturday, April 4.
There have also been two cases confirmed in Clearview residents. Both are reported recovered.
The hospital has sent 203 swabs to labs for COVID-19 testing since March 16.
In the meantime, the emergency department is seeing lower-than-usual volumes for the season. Holder attributed it to many reasons including the closure of area attractions, fewer cars on the road, and more people staying home and staying safe.
She said it has allowed hospital staff to focus on preparing more space for potential COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Finally, Holder noted the emergency vehicle processions last week and kind, encouraging notes on the Hospital Facebook page are “so appreciated.”
“Please know we are here for you, please be here for us,” said Holder. “Stay at home this Easter weekend.”
