As January 2020 rolled in and the first reports of COVID-19 started circulating from abroad, hospitals across Canada started planning, knowing it was just a matter of time before this new and highly contagious coronavirus arrived on their doorsteps.
On January
30, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the novel coronavirus was
a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. At the time there were
fewer than 100 cases of the disease we now call COVID-19. Just a week earlier, we
had issued our first communication to staff introducing the coronavirus, and preparations
at MAHC were well underway when the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March
11.
In the days and weeks that followed, there was a whirlwind of activity as we worked quickly and efficiently to roll out the many Ministry of Health directives put in place to assist hospitals in creating capacity to deal with a potential surge of COVID-19 patients. Non-urgent and elective procedures and many ambulatory services ramped down while our Emergency Departments remained open. Screening for travel and symptoms was introduced for both patients and staff. Cleaning and disinfection practices were enhanced, isolation needs soared, and spaces were converted to prepare for what may come. Personal Protective Equipment was a concern in the early days as supply into the country and flow through to hospitals failed to keep up with demand. On March 25, we cared for our first inpatient with COVID-19. In April, more cases followed requiring inpatient care. To date, 16 people with COVID-19 have received inpatient medical care at MAHC; sadly, two succumbed. Others have received care in our Emergency Departments and discharged home to isolate.
Reflecting
on the past year, different emotions come to bear for anyone
working in health care. Many are sadly grim. By definition novel means new, and
in health care novel rightly evokes fear. As the one-year anniversary of the
COVID-19 pandemic draws near, I am reminded that in those early days and still
today, our staff and credentialed staff show up and provide exceptional care in the
face of an ongoing health crisis mired with uncertainty. Our Muskoka and East
Parry Sound communities are fortunate to have such a dedicated team at their
community hospitals. Through the challenges and uncertainty, we at MAHC have learned
more about our adaptability, our individual commitment as health care workers and
overall resolve as an organization to come together as a team to look after our
communities’ needs in a year like no other.
While each
of us will have different perspectives on COVID-19, the optimist in me feels
privileged, proud and confident to lead such a tremendous team of
professionals. I can’t say enough about the amazing efforts of our people – taking
care of patients and their families, and caring for each other with immense
respect for their fellow team member’s valuable contributions to our collective
response.
Today in Simcoe Muskoka the threat of COVID-19
variants of concern oblige us to stay vigilant by following all public health
measures to reduce the risk of exposure and protect ourselves and our loved
ones.
Instead of
continuing to look back on a year that has challenged us in an unprecedented
way, I am looking forward with hope on the horizon as COVID-19 vaccines reach
more arms. Many of our staff and credentialed staff are eligible for
immunization, and more than half of our team has received both doses. They tell
me it’s a humbling moment and one they are grateful for, but still acknowledge
that regardless of vaccination it is critical to continue to follow all protection
measures to avoid the potential of a third wave of this pandemic.
