Hanover hospital's dedicated COVID-19 Assessment Centre is caring for about 12 to 16 patients on an average day.
The centre opened March 19 and is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. There are two other COVID-19 Assessment Centres in the Grey Bruce Region, Grey Bruce Health Services – Owen Sound Regional Hospital and South Bruce Grey Health Centre – Kincardine Hospital.
The hospital worked with long-term care facilities, community partners and families to relocate patients from the hospital to other locations and increase capacity. There are now eight additional beds prepared for a possible increase in COVID-19 patients.
The hospital opened a respiratory clinic on March 16, which promotes physical distancing within the hospital by separating patients with respiratory difficulties from patients with non-respiratory issues. The clinic is open daily to assess patients and determine if further treatment is needed
There are two separate sections in HDH’s Emergency Department for patients with respiratory and non-respiratory issues. For patients needing emergency care, there is a designated area for intubation with negative pressure. HDH’s physicians have received specialized training to care for very ill patients, and they strictly observe all intubation protocols.
“Without question, we are navigating through a very difficult time, but I see hope, resilience, and strength every day looking back at me in the eyes of our staff and physicians. The way they have prepared our hospital for COVID-19 and supported each other is inspiring. They are rising to meet this challenge together,” said Dana Howes, president and chief executive officer, Hanover & District Hospital.