Lambton EMS transfers COVID-19 patient from Manitoba to Bluewater Health. (Photo supplied by Bluewater Health.)Lambton EMS transfers COVID-19 patient from Manitoba to Bluewater Health. (Photo supplied by Bluewater Health.)
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Bluewater Health now accepting COVID-19 patients from Manitoba

Bluewater Health will begin accepting COVID-19 patients from Manitoba as early as Friday evening.

Shared Health Manitoba had previously announced that COVID-19 patients would be transferred to hospitals across Ontario in an effort to alleviate some pressure from Manitoba hospitals.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve had COVID patients from other areas – Leamington, Windsor, London, then the GTA, and now from out of province,” said Chief of Staff Dr. Mike Haddad. “Capacity pressures have reached a level in Manitoba where they are requesting our support and we are proud to help.”

It's unknown exactly how many patients will be sent to Bluewater Health but Communications and Public Affairs Chief Julia Oosterman said it will be less than five.

Manitoba started transferring patients to hospitals in Ontario, due to the number of patients in intensive care, on May 18. Hospitals in Windsor, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Ottawa, and North Bay have already accepted patients.

Although the vaccination effort in Ontario is ramping up with second dose appointments starting next week, Bluewater Health is asking residents to continue following public health measures.

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