OHA Statement on the Province's Ebola Preparedness Measures

TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) welcomes the Health Minister's announcement on the government's commitment to Ebola preparedness in the province. The safety and protection of both our front-line hospital workers, and the patients they care for, remains the utmost priority of Ontario hospitals.

A significant amount of preparation has already been taking place in Ontario hospitals. And the announcement of the enhanced protocols and practices gives front-line hospital staff and the public the reassurance they need to know that our hospitals are well-equipped to effectively diagnose and care for Ebola patients.

Ontario hospitals already have strong infection control systems and procedures in place, designed to limit the spread of infection, protect health care workers, and to provide the best possible care for patients. Hospitals continue to follow protocols already in place, and are working with their staff and health partners to ensure that any additional necessary measures are being taken.

We are actively engaging with our health partners to help ensure that hospitals are prepared in the unlikely, though possible, event that an Ebola case emerges in Ontario. We are working with our member hospitals to identify and share leading practices between hospitals. These practices include a range of policies, procedures, planning tools, mock scenario planning aids, and communications tools designed to help prepare health care workers for the management of suspected Ebola patients.

The OHA will continue to collaborate closely with our health partners, including the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Public Health Ontario, to ensure our hospitals can continue to deliver the excellent care patients have come to expect from our hospitals.

Hospitals in Ontario have had a number of experiences dealing with public health diseases such as SARS, H1N1 and H5N1. These experiences have helped to better equip our hospitals, allowing them to successfully respond to public health risks.

SOURCE: Ontario Hospital Association

Media Contact: Akilah Dressekie, OHA Public Affairs, 416-205-1376