Timmins hospital employees pitch in to fill staffing gaps created by COVID-19
In the midst of the wave of Omicron cases, the Timmins and District Hospital said it's experiencing a shortage of critical workers. That has meant employees from other departments have stepped up to help fill any gaps.
The hospital said Thursday it's taking care of 24 patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. It's also dealing with a shortage of workers who've been affected by the virus one way or another.
The hospital's foundation team said it offered to grab a few brooms and get busy. Jason Laneville, the foundation's executive director, and his staff have been keeping the floors clean along the main promenade from front to back.
"Our team’s not afraid of work," said Laneville. "By putting in a few extra hours on the main floor helping clean the main floor, if that frees up a couple of environmental services workers to work upstairs on the medical floor, so be it. I mean we’re happy to help."
And he said his team isn't the only one pitching in.
"The ladies in the fracture clinic were working in the laundry, helping fold some clothes and towels etcetera," Laneville said.
"We’re getting a lot of positive feedback. Listen, we’re not doing it for the kudos. We’re just doing it to help out."
The positive attitude is impressing the hospital's president and chief executive officer.
"We need to stick together and support each other. We’re strong northerners so we’re innovative and you know we’re caring and compassionate people so it’s all hands on deck," said Kate Fyfe.
Fyfe said the hospital has put out a contract for more workers to help with cleaning and also has a plan in place to provide other supplemental staffing when necessary.
In the meantime, Lanevillle said if the foundation's actions inspire others to help in different areas than where they work, that will only help people get through the pandemic in a more positive way.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.