Senior leaders at Northumberland Hills Hospital say the organization continues to face heavy patient volumes while advancing new programs and long term planning.
In its February report to the board, the hospital says a COVID 19 outbreak affecting first floor units concluded in early January, but inpatient occupancy remained between 125 and 130 percent, creating significant pressure on patient flow from the emergency department.
To help manage demand, leadership approved a temporary overtime incentive program running from mid January into early February.
Amid those challenges, the hospital launched a new Newborn, Perinatal and Reproductive Care Clinic on January 19. The service provides booked, non urgent support for expectant mothers, postpartum patients and newborns up to six weeks of age.
The report also notes that echocardiography testing has transitioned from an outsourced model to a fully hospital managed program, allowing exams five days a week and faster access to results through MyChart, the hospital’s secure digital portal where patients can access appointments, reports and test results.
Other updates include continued engagement on the hospital’s master planning process, emergency preparedness exercises with local partners, preparations for an Accreditation Canada visit in March and strong participation in recent staff and volunteer experience surveys.
Hospital representatives are also preparing to present their Essential Care Partner pilot at a provincial knowledge sharing event later this month.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)