Collingwood’s General and Marine Hospital has welcomed 36 babies to the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hospital’s president and CEO Norah Holder confirmed the births occurred between March 11 and April 6, and said the hospital typically sees about 500 births a year.
“Due to visitor restrictions, obstetrics patients can only have one support person with them for the duration of their labour and their stay,” said Holder.
While the hospital is not performing non-emergency surgeries or procedures, it’s obstetrics department continues to operate.
“At this time, we ask that patients kindly call the obstetrics unit prior to presenting to the hospital so we know to expect their arrival,” said Holder.
The hospital has also posted a video featuring Aimee Stinson, nurse manager of maternal and newborn services, providing information on what expectant mothers should do before coming to the hospital, what entrance they should use, and also providing a virtual tour of the obstetrics department.
Expectant mothers should proceed to the main entrance and not go through the screening tent. They will be screened at the entrance and then taken to the obstetrics department.
Obstetrics nurses are also connecting with patients to pre-register, and pre-natal classes are being done online.
