Visitor Restrictions expanded at Ross Memorial

March 9, 2018 - The Ross Memorial Hospital has expanded visitor restrictions to include the first floor of the Continuing Care Program (CCP1) after several patients and staff members have
become ill with what is suspected to be Norovirus. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps and headache.

On March 7, an outbreak was declared on the Medical Unit by the RMH Outbreak Team in conjunction with the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit. Today, an outbreak was declared on CCP1.

The Hospital is taking special measures to control the spread of the illness, including heightened attention to personal protective equipment (PPE) and special cleaning procedures. Patients will not be admitted to the affected Units, nor will patients be transferred from the Units unless clinically required.

Staff has been in contact with the families of patients in the affected areas to advise them of the visiting restrictions and to encourage them to phone their loved ones, or to email using the Hospital’s tlc@rmh.org email address. 

Visiting is still permitted in other areas of the Hospital. All who come to the Hospital are encouraged to clean their hands often, and to avoid visiting if you are feeling unwell.

Norovirus has an incubation period of two to three days. People are contagious as long as their symptoms persist.