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.
Message from the CEO
Watch the video below, or read the April 7 blog or March 25 blog about MAHC's preparedness. On April 27, a further blog was shared by MAHC's Board Chair on behalf of the Board of Directors.
| 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)
| 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. People with mild symptoms who do not meet testing criteria should isolate at home until 24 hours after their symptoms resolve and do not need to go to the Emergency Dept. or an assessment centre for further assessment and testing. If your condition worsens, then contact your health care provider or go to the Emergency Dept. |
| 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.
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| Visiting Restrictions |
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Visitors are restricted at both hospitals. Exceptions include special situations and compassionate circumstances. MAHC reserves the right to further restrict visitors to the hospital in the future if community spread of COVID-19 increases. Access is restricted to one entrance where Entrance Monitors will screen everyone entering the hospitals. This includes preliminary questions about symptoms and recent travel. If you are unwell for any reason or have any of these symptoms, please delay your visit. 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. Everyone will be screened. Parking gates have been raised at both sites to enhance safety by limiting interaction with parking machines. Homemade Masks & Other Masks Homemade masks or other masks brought in from home are not permitted in the hospitals. Patients or excepted visitors arriving with homemade masks or other masks from home will be asked to remove them and be provided with a surgical mask to wear in the hospital. Learn more about when and how to wear a non-medical mask. 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/ |
| 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. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should contact your doctor or Nurse Practitioner, or you may book an appointment by calling 1-888-383-7009. If you call the assessment centres directly 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. At the assessment centre:
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| Community Donations of PPE and Other Supports |
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As we manage the COVID-19 pandemic, MAHC is in need of donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other supplies. For infection control purposes, donations must be in original factory packaging and unopened. Gifts of prepared food must be from a regulated food establishment. Unfortunately, we cannot accept handmade items at this time or food prepared in homes. New and unused items that MAHC will accept include:
If local companies have an innovative idea of how their company may be able to support the design or manufacturing of items to help the cause, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-your-organization-can-help-fight-coronavirus Due to the pandemic, Foundation staff are working remotely at this time and remain committed to collect both financial donations and supply or PPE donations from our generous communities in support of the hospitals. Please leave your name and phone number so we can return your call and facilitate your thoughtful donation, as follows: SMMH: Amanda Brown via amanda.brown@mahc.ca or by phone at 705-645-4404, ext. 3193 HDMH: Cheryl Perry via cheryl.perry@mahc.ca or by phone at 705-789-2311, ext. 2372 |
| 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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