HSN issues new visitor restrictions and some surgeries being cancelled

SUDBURY -- In a statement released by Health Sciences North (HSN) on Sunday March 15, the hospital says they have not admitted any patients who have tested positive for COVID -19.

Health officials with HSN are asking the public to call and make an appointment with the COVID-19 Assessment Center at 55 Walford Road, should they need testing. 

People exhibiting symptoms should not present themselves at the Health Sciences North Emergency Room, but must call in advance at [phone] between 9 am and 5 pm, 7 days per week. Screenings via teleconference will take place, where possible.

The hospital has also instituted new precautions to ensure patients at the hospital do not come in contact with the coronavirus and say that visitors who are not feeling well should not go to HSN.

Health officials have advised that new visitor restrictions have been implemented effective immediately.  

New visitor restrictions implemented today include:

• Inpatient Areas: Only one family member/caregiver age 18 or more during regular visiting hours (9 am – 9 pm). A single visitor under 18 may be permitted under special circumstances.
• Ambulatory Areas: Only one family member/caregiver age 18 or more if absolutely necessary.
• Visitors encouraged to keep their visit short.
• Patients presenting with COVID-19 symptoms asked to not bring any visitor.
• No visitors in high risk areas (e.g. Isolation rooms, Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Kirkwood site)
• Exceptions will be made in situations involving trauma, end of life

Other new health precautions implemented today by Health Science North include:

• Elective surgeries and procedures within the surgical program scheduled for the weeks of March 15th and March 22nd are being cancelled. Patients are being contacted directly by HSN.

• Patient and family common rooms at HSN have been closed.