COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)
Updated May 29, 2020
We are taking precautions to ensure the safety of our staff, patients, and community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the duration of the pandemic, we will do our best to provide as much up-to-date information for our patients, families, and community members on this page.
The boxes below share some important information regarding COVID-19 and BCHS. For updated information on COVID-19 in the province visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus and for local information visit https://www.bchu.org/.
| How is BCHS preparing for COVID-19? |
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BCHS has robust screening and infection prevention and control procedures in place. BCHS has been working closely with the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Ontario Hospital Association on provincial readiness. BCHS is also working with local partners including Brant County Health Unit, EMS, and community providers. We have adequate stock of all needed supplies and equipment should they be needed. Each patient is screened for respiratory illness and asked about recent travel to assess against current risk criteria. If they meet that criteria, appropriate isolation steps are immediately taken. |
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What to do if you think you have COVID-19 |
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As stated by the Ministry of Health the most common symptoms of COVID-19 include: For an updated list of COVID-19 symptoms please see Symptoms and treatment information by Province of Ontario If you think you have symptoms or are concerned that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 Assessment Centre located at the Brantford General Hospital. No referrals are required. For details on the location and hours, see the "COVID-19 Assessment Centre" tab below. If you require urgent care and are in distress call 911 or visit the Emergency Department immediately. |
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COVID-19 Assessment Centre |
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The Brant Community Healthcare System is operating a COVID-19 Assessment Centre at the Brantford General Hospital D-wing entrance. Who should come to the COVID-19 Assessment Centre? If you think you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment to help determine how to seek further care. Click here to access. Testing is available by appointment. Appointments continue to be booked for the Assessment Centre in order to decrease wait times, ensure an orderly flow and to protect patients and staff by ensuring a safe physical space can be provided at the sites. You can book an appointment time by calling the BCHS hotline at 519-751-5818. Please note that for the safety of all patients, families and staff, we have visitor restriction in place. People getting tested at the Assessment Centre will not be allowed to have visitors unless they meet the following criteria:
If you start experiencing worsening symptoms and require urgent care, please visit the local emergency department or call 911. How do I access my COVID-19 test results? There is a new user-friendly online portal where the public can easily access their COVID-19 lab test results. Assessment Centre Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Brantford General Hospital: 200 Terrace Hill St Brantford, ON N3R 1G9 |
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Visitor Restrictions During COVID-19 |
Changes now in effect – No VisitorsAs part of our ongoing efforts to protect the public, patients, staff and physicians from the potential transmission of the COVID-19 virus, effective March 20, 2020, Brant Community Healthcare System has implemented a no visitor policy. As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve, and in alignment with recommendations from the Ministry of Health, the BCHS is taking additional precautions to keep patients, families, and staff safe including temporary changes to our Visitor Policy. BCHS remains committed to patient and family-centered care and will make every effort to ensure that the needs of patients and families are met while these temporary measures are in place. We are currently closed to visitors with limited exceptions, as follows:
Essential visitors include the following:
If you have any questions, please connect with your loved one's care team for more information. To be connected to a care team, please call switchboard at 519-751-5544 ext.0 for more information. |
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Keeping Patients Safe |
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Universal Masking The Brant Community Healthcare System is providing masks to all outpatients, visitors, and staff entering our hospitals. Click here for information on how to properly wear a mask. Physical Distancing We are using environmental cues around the hospital to encourage physical distancing, including signage and roping off every other chair in waiting rooms and using tape on the floor to encourage distancing in line-ups. Seating areas in public areas are limited and discouraged. Staff and physicians are replacing in-person group meetings with virtual meetings using teleconferences and video conferencing when possible. Enhanced Cleaning Our Environmental Services team has implemented additional cleaning and disinfection procedures to ensure a clean and safe environment for our patients, staff and physicians. |
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Screening & Reduced Entrances |
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We are actively screening for potential risk of COVID-19 with everyone who comes to our sites to ensure the safety and well-being of our people and patients. Please allow for extra time if you are coming to the hospital. You will be required to enter the building through the D-Wing Entrance at the Brantford General Hospital, and the front entrance of The Willett. Thank you for your understanding during our ongoing efforts to protect the public, patients, staff and physicians from the potential transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
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Ways to Donate |
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We are grateful to the many generous members of our community who have stepped forward with offers of personal protective equipment (PPE) for our staff and physicians. Our staff are safe and currently have the right PPE to do their jobs but COVID-19 demands can change quickly. We kindly request that anyone who would like to make a donation of PPE, or supply PPE by other means, please contact us first. We are working swiftly to ensure donations that we require and can accept, meet national standards for PPE use in a health care setting, and align this equipment to our current products. Anyone looking to donate or supply products please email foundation@bchsys.org or call us at 519-751-5510 and provide:
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Changes to Scheduled and Elective Services and Outpatient Activity |
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BCHS has reduced scheduled surgeries and outpatient activity following the direction of the Ministry of Health and Ontario’s Chief Public Health Officer. Patients affected by these changes will be notified by their care team for further information. We will continue to assess and make changes as needed as the province's pandemic response plan evolves. The following actions support local containment and will help reduce possible exposure for all staff and physicians to COVID-19 while conserving resources for urgent needs. |
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Daily Testing Updates |
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Links & Resources |
Other resources:
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