Forest fires could force Temiskaming Hospital to cancel more surgeries
Poor air quality in Temiskaming Shores forced the hospital to cancel all surgeries Friday, and depending on the forest fire situation, it may have to cancel more procedures scheduled Monday.
The hospital enacted its ‘button down protocol’ Thursday afternoon to manage air quality as smoke from northwestern Quebec wildfires poured into the region.
On the horizon, over Lake Timiskaming, more smoke from Quebec and Lake Abitibi forest fires slowly approach from the east, as a 2,100-hectare fire 40 km to the west burns out of control.
Mayor Jeff Laferriere is reminding the public about the current municipal fire ban in place.
"With all of the fires surrounding us, we want to make sure we are really protecting everybody," Laferriere said.
On Thursday, the forest fire smoke was so thick, it caused eye, nose and throat irritation for both patients and staff at the hospital.
The hospital immediately cancelled and re-booked surgeries scheduled for Friday and obstetrical services were also cancelled.
"We have to be ahead of the game," said Temiskaming Hospital president and CEO Mike Baker.
“The forecast into this evening is not good … We've been monitoring the situation 24/7."
Poor air quality in Temiskaming Shores forced the hospital to cancel all surgeries Friday, and depending on the forest fire situation, it may have to cancel more procedures scheduled Monday.
The hospital closed all air flow from outside the building and enacted what's called ‘code grey,’ controlling and limiting access to the facility. The hospital remains open.
Access will only be through the main doors and security personnel will be controlling the entry and exit.
"This past Saturday we also did a code grey for a couple of hours because we actually had ash falling on vehicles," Baker said.
Surgeries only occur at the hospital on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. So if the hospital keeps the code grey in place, no surgeries would be cancelled this weekend.
But with the unprecedented forest fire season, the hospital can’t predict what will happen by Monday and if more surgeries would need to be cancelled.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent right to your inbox
"It looks like there's some high risk from Lake Abitibi and the northwestern Quebec fire smoke are going to join again and that could cause us some grief," said Baker.
The hospital is asking all volunteers and non-essential care partners not come to the hospital.
The hospital is calling for patience from citizens and staff in the wake of this unique situation.
"Hopefully it is just a one-time event," said Laferriere.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.