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Grey Bruce’s three local hospital organizations issued a joint statement on Tuesday cautioning the movement of patients between sites has the potential to be much larger than normal in the coming weeks, as the provincial hospital system is expected to face significant capacity challenges due to Covid.
Ontario health officials released updated Covid-19 modeling projections Tuesday, forecasting Intensive Care Unit occupancy in the province’s hospitals could exceed 500 in the days ahead, and potentially 1,000 in February in “more severe, but realistic scenarios.”
The joint-statement from Grey Bruce Health Services, South Bruce Grey Health Centre and Hanover and District Hospital explains the forecast shows the number of both medicine and critical care beds required later this month and in February may exceed the bed capacity of all hospitals in Ontario.
“In Grey Bruce, the prevalence of COVID-19 remains relatively low when compared to other parts of the province,” the region’s hospital organizations say in a release. “And even though the capacity of the three hospital corporations in Grey Bruce is nearing capacity, our hospitals will be asked to play an active role in meeting the demand of patients across the province.”
Some hospitals in the province are already at or over capacity. Most are increasing bed numbers when they can be staffed, while others already at capacity are moving patients to other hospitals.
“This means that all hospitals must be ready to accept patient transfers when directed by their regional or provincial COVID-19 response structure,” the joint statement from Grey Bruce’s three hospital organizations explains. “It also means that hospitals may have to reduce or stop non-urgent surgeries and other procedures to ensure there are enough beds and capacity to care for those patients requiring hospital care.”
In the weeks ahead, Grey Bruce’s three hospital organizations say the movement between sites could increase. Patients from outside of the region may be transferred to hospitals in Grey Bruce. While local residents requiring care may be admitted to a hospital not in their home community.
“It is understood that you and your loved ones want to be cared for close to home, in hospitals you are familiar with and that you have supported, and every effort will be taken to ensure that happens. However, during these challenging times, a patient may be admitted to a hospital away from your home community,” the release explains.
All three of Grey Bruce’s hospital organizations are also preparing more beds for a surge. According to the information provided Tuesday, South Bruce Grey Health Centre has opened five additional beds in Walkerton, and is preparing to open more in Durham and possibly Kincardine.
In a statement, SBGHC Chief of Staff Dr. Lisa Roth says they’re currently working with London Health Sciences Centre and other regional hospitals to accept lower acuity patients to open up beds in those hospitals for more acutely ill patients.
Grey Bruce Health Services has added 28 additional beds to prepare for a surge in patients. GBHS president and CEO Gary Sims notes the field hospital is “ready to be opened should the system pressures overwhelm hospital capacity.”
The joint statement explains Hanover and District Hospital is “ready when called upon” to open another four beds to support patient care needs.
The update from Grey Bruce’s hospital organizations Tuesday came as Premier Doug Ford announced additional shutdown measures for Ontario, most notably a stay-at-home order that comes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
It requires everyone to remain at home unless you’re going to a grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, attending an essential workplace or exercising.