On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global COVID-19 pandemic. This means that this novel coronavirus has spread across the world. When people come together, the risk of infection with COVID-19 increases. At Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) the safety of our patients, staff and visitors is our top priority.
If you think you have 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment to help determine if you need to seek further care. Before you come to the hospital, we also encourage you to call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.
It’s more important than ever to work together to keep each other safe. The most important thing you can do is stay home and practise physical and social distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19. Helpful tips how you can do your part are available on the Ontario government's dedicated website.
Be assured that both hospital sites have put measures in place to protect the health of our patients, staff and physicians. While things may be done differently during this time, please know that our team remains dedicated to treating everyone with care and respect. Read below to learn more about some of the steps we have taken to ensure everyone’s safety.
What to Expect
When you come to either site, you will be screened at the entrance with questions about symptoms and recent travel. There may be line-ups so please keep two metres (six feet) between you and others, and be patient with the screening questions. You will be asked to clean your hands with sanitizer, and required to wear a hospital-issued mask properly, covering your nose and mouth, for the entirety of your hospital visit. Some outpatient programs and services are operating on a reduced basis as we limit non-essential traffic in the hospital.
| Number of patients with COVID-19 we are currently caring for at our hospitals: | 0 |
(Includes Huntsville and South Muskoka sites; table updated weekdays by 4pm)
COVID-19 Updates
| Emergency Departments Remain Open |
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Our Emergency Departments are open 24/7. If you are a patient coming to the Emergency Dept., you will be assessed by the triage nurse. Providers are following public health direction for COVID-19 testing. If you have been tested for COVID-19 in the Emergency Dept. your test results will be reported to your primary care provider. If you do not have a primary care provider and have not been contacted with your results after four days after having the test, please contact the hospital’s Health Records Department at ext. 2214 (Huntsville site) or ext. 3126 (South Muskoka site). |
| Limited, Essential Inpatient Visitation |
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The hospital has not resumed open visitation, but is easing some visiting restrictions to support our patients. Effective July 23, inpatients may choose one essential visitor to be their Designated Care Partner for the duration of their stay. At this time, only approved Designated Care Partners are permitted to visit while adhering to strict guidelines during visitor hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Read more information about our Essential Visitor Guidelines during COVID-19. Send an Inpatient Your Best Wishes If you have a family member or friend currently in either of MAHC’s hospital sites, you can bring a smile to their face by using our complimentary best wishes service to get a message delivered to their bedside through a form on our website at www.mahc.ca/BestWishes/ |
| Gradual Resumption of Elective Surgery & Procedures |
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MAHC has started to slowly resume elective surgeries and procedures that were paused mid-March when hospitals were directed to stop non-urgent procedures as part of a preparatory response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more in our news release. While adhering to strict criteria established by the province that includes an appropriate supply of protective equipment, medication, staff and community services to care for recovering patients, as well as appropriate inpatient bed capacity and a manageable number of COVID-19 cases in the region, MAHC has cautiously started a measured return-to-service plan. Patients awaiting surgery will be contacted by their physician’s office to be advised of their procedure date. An information sheet has been posted to help patients prepare for their procedure. |
| Resumption of Elective Diagnostic Imaging |
| The Diagnostic Imaging Department has begun rescheduling elective X-rays, ultrasounds, mammograms, CT scans, bone density and nuclear medicine procedures. Appointments are required. Read more in our news release. An information sheet has been posted to help patients prepare for their outpatient appointment. |
| Reduction of Hospital Services During COVID-19 |
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In an effort to keep staff and physicians safe, contain community transmission of COVID-19, and preserve critical resources for when they are most needed, MAHC has made temporary changes to hospital operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All affected patients will be contacted directly and rebooked as soon as it is safe to do so. Urgent procedures and appointments continue at this time. A support person may be permitted to accompany a patient to an appointment for compassionate care, and when assisting a minor or person with a disability.
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| Muskoka Assessment Centres |
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The COVID-19 assessment centres in Muskoka are not open for walk-in visits, they are by appointment only. Appointments can be booked by calling 1-888-383-7009. Effective immediately testing is available for the following populations: Symptomatic Testing: All people with at least one symptom of COVID-19, even for mild symptoms. Asymptomatic, Risk-Based Testing: People who are concerned that they have been exposed to COVID-19. This includes people who are contacts of or may have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case. Asymptomatic, Risk Exposure in Line of Duty: People who are essential workers, health care workers, LCBO employees, grocery store employees, etc. Other Testing: Any admissions to hospital from another hospital, long-term care homes, retirement homes or other congregate living settings and institutions (such as homeless shelters, correctional facilities, day care for essential workers, group homes, community-supported living, disability-specific communities/congregate settings, short-term rehab, hospices, other shelters) should be tested upon admission. If you call the assessment centres to book an appointment, you are strongly encouraged to follow up with your doctor or Nurse Practitioner. Locations:
Hours: Phones are answered Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you are unable to get to the assessment centres in Bracebridge and Huntsville, please call 1-888-383-7009 to discuss options. At the assessment centre:
Drive-Through Testing: Learn more about dates and locations for drive-through COVID testing of asymptomatic individuals requiring a test to visit a long-term care or retirement home or other congregate living setting. |
| News & Community Updates |
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Elective Diagnostic Imaging Resuming at MAHC - July 9, 2020 Donation of Supplies Gratefully Appreciated - June 30, 2020 Video: 'Showing MAHC' (My Appreciation for Health Care) Celebration of Excellence - June 26, 2020 Gradual Resumption of Elective Surgeries Underway at MAHC - June 11, 2020 CEO Blog: Planning a Gradual and Cautious Ramp-up For Resuming Hospital Services - June 2, 2020 Video: Pandemic Community Support & Encouragement for Team MAHC - May 2, 2020 Board Chair Blog/Message to Our Communities - April 27, 2020 CEO Blog/Another Message to Our Communities - April 7, 2020 CEO Blog/Message to Our Communities About COVID-19 - March 25, 2020 MAHC Limits Outpatient Services and Programs - March 23, 2020 |
| More Information |
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Information about COVID-19 is changing quickly. Before coming to the hospital, please continue to check our website and MAHC Facebook and/or Twitter accounts (@MAHCHospitals) for updates. Read more information from Telehealth Ontario Read more information from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit |
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