A message to the Community from Dr. David McNeil, President & CEO

Brantford, ON - Shared on behalf of Dr. David McNeil, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Brant Community Healthcare System:

Over the past several weeks, we have seen a concerning increase in verbal and physical violence against our frontline healthcare workers. At the Brant Community Healthcare System, we have zero tolerance for violence against anyone, including our healthcare staff who have been working tirelessly to care for the community through these challenging times. I understand many people in our communities are struggling for many different and justifiable reasons — but violence will not be tolerated in our hospitals.

If you are coming to the Brantford General Hospital or The Willett, please be reminded that our staff are here to help — and to treat them with the respect and courtesy they deserve.

Our top priority is to ensure the highest level of safety possible for everyone who enters our hospitals. In keeping with that commitment, our mandatory masking requirement remains in place at our sites.

We would also like to inform the community that our Emergency Department at Brantford General Hospital is extremely busy and wait times are higher than normal. We are always here when you need it, however, understanding the healthcare options available in your community may get you the care you need more quickly if your condition is not a medical emergency.

These options may include:

• Calling your family doctor
• Speaking to your pharmacist
• Visiting an urgent care centre or walk-in clinic
• Calling Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000 for access to a Registered Nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our teams have continued to care for people in our community. I am so proud of our teams here at BCHS and I would like to thank all of our dedicated staff, physicians, and volunteers for their incredible efforts to provide exceptional care.

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Media Contact:

BCHS Communications & Public Affairs

Communications@bchsys.org

519-751-5544