UHNBC Designated Regional Centre to Handle Suspected or Confirmed Ebola
University Hospital Northeern B.C. -image courtesy BC. Gov.
Prince George, B.C. – The University Hospital of Northern BC has been
designated as one of the regional centres in B.C. to assess those at higher risk of having Ebola or to treat those who are confirmed to have the deadly virus.
Other hospitals designated for Ebola assessment or treatment in B.C. are:
* Lower Mainland: Surrey Memorial Hospital
* Island Health: Royal Jubilee Hospital
* Interior Health: Kelowna General Hospital
* Pediatric Clients: BC Children’s Hospital
“These sites will be the focus of training for staff on the protocols for health-care workers who would be engaged with a confirmed patient or a patient under investigation” says Health Minister Lake. “Emergency room and front-line staff at all other health-care facilities are also being trained to receive, isolate and triage any symptomatic individual of interest with risk of exposure to Ebola.”
Lake says although there is a low likelihood of a case of Ebola in B.C, the Ebola Preparedness task force has been meeting regularly and reviewing B.C.’s protocols.
He says the B.C. infection control experts are revising their guidelines for personal protective equipment for health-care staff assessing and treating those under investigation for or those with confirmed Ebola.
“Staff will be fully covered, with no skin showing – equipment will include full body suits, long, fully impervious gowns, separate level 4 hoods, face shields, surgical masks and N95 respirator masks. Protocols will also include a buddy system for staff – where one staff member will observe the other donning and doffing protective equipment to ensure there is no risk for self-contamination. Staff will be trained in these protocols.”
Lake says the task force will continue to hold weekly teleconferences to keep in touch with the latest developments.
Comments
But the nurse’s union would say the forced use of haz mat suits would be outside of their current CBA. I suggest the treating of contagious patients be left up to facilities with the appropriate protocols in place.
Coming to a hospital near you! Nurses with Ebola giving you your flu shot, they have a right to work you know!
I am guessing this will be after they “actually clean” the hospital. I realize this needs to be addressed and protocols in place for any and all situations that may stroll into the hospital. But ensuring they are up to speed with the proper safety protocols isn’t going to happen over night. Complacency runs a muck here in Prince George, it shouldn’t but it does.
I hope we never have to use these measures, but if we ever do, I hope the medical staff are really up to speed with the proper steps to ensure our safety and there’s as well. Till then, clean the hospital.
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