North Shore Health Network resumes outpatient operations, eases some visitor restrictions

As Algoma Public Health enters the Yellow - Protect zone of the province's COVID-19 Response Framework, the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) has made adjustments to its visitor restrictions and outpatient operations.

Starting tomorrow, acute care visiting will be permitted at NSHN's Blind River site. According to a press release issued today, two general visitors will be allowed per day, limited to one visit per day each. Visiting hours will begin after 7 a.m. and conclude by 10:00 p.m. NSHN reminds the public that visitors are subject to screening protocols.

The press release also lays out changes for the emergency department at all sites. Two general visitors will be permitted, with only one in in emergency department at a time. NSHN states, "Visiting in the Emergency Department will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Workers will have the discretion of restricting visitors from entering or remaining in the department if the safety of the patient and/or workers becomes a concern in relation to COVID-19 risks."

In regards to NSHN's long-term care home in Blind River, the organization says essential caregivers are permitted to return upon providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test result in the past week. Visiting hours will begin after 11:00 a.m. and conclude by 8:00 p.m., and all visits must be scheduled in advance.

NSHN advises that general visiting remains on hold at this time as the home works to implement a point-of-care rapid antigen testing program.

The health network says access to general visitors will be reassessed on a weekly basis. 

In terms of outpatient operations, the following services will resume at NSHN site:

• Outpatient laboratory appointments will resume routine scheduled bookings, and all appointments must be prescheduled
• Medical imaging routine bookings will resume at all sites
• In-person physiotherapy appointments will resume. Due to volumes, the department is only able to see acute cases (post-surgery, after cast removal, or recent injury) at this time. Virtual visits will continue where appropriate.
• The chiropractic clinic will resume on Feb. 23, 2021. Patients are requested to attend appointments alone. However, individuals who require assistance are permitted to have one person accompany them. 

More information on booking appointments, COVID-19 screening, and dropping off referrals, please visit NSHN's website.