The Colchester East Hants Health Authority is putting special guidelines in place to increase and reorganize its resources to best support the care of patients. Examples of the guidelines include temporarily opening and staffing beds in areas that are not in use, bringing in additional staff or reassigning staff, and exploring other options to reduce the demand for beds. Alternative options could include postponing elective surgery, expediting long-term care placements or putting extra home-care services in place to help patients return home.
These measures are expected to be temporary, says a hospital news release. Health officials are asking residents to take measures to protect their health.
The best way to protect from getting a cold, stomach bug and many other common illnesses is to keep hands clean. Washing hands regularly is key to preventing illness, especially when in public places. In addition, the health authority reminds people to not visit patients if there is illness in your household.
