Arnprior hospital takes new measures to help protect against COVID-19

ARNPRIOR – Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) has taken preventative steps to help slow down the spread of COVID-19 in the hospital, Grove Nursing Home and the broader community.

As a result, ARH has cancelled Seniors Active Living Centre programming (including the Men’s Shed) and the Adult Day Program indefinitely for the safety of members, clients and staff.

The visitor hours have not changed at this time; however, ARH has implemented active screening at the Grove entrance for staff, family and visitors and, in the coming days active screening will be in place at the hospital with the number of entrances limited.

ARH continues to operate all its clinical services and will regularly assess operations as the situation evolves.

“While our Emergency Department remains open, we advise the community to consider where they will get the most appropriate medical care and to avoid the Emergency Department if it is not necessary,” said ARH CEO and president Eric Hanna today (March 13). “As a first phase to lessen the burden on our hospital, we are currently working with the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service on implementing community paramedics to test individuals in their home. In preparation for when testing demand grows, we’ve begun planning with the Town of Arnprior and our health partners for a potential local assessment centre. In the meantime, if you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19, please self-isolate and contact Renfrew County Public Health.”

ARH physicians (family practice, Emergency Department) are not providing medical notes related to COVID-19 required by insurance or employers. Community members will be directed to call Renfrew County District Health Unit at 613-735-8653 for follow-up.

“The COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly, and we will continue to make the best decisions based on the expertise of Public Health and our provincial health partners,” Hanna said. “Our priority is the health and safety of our patients, residents, clients, families, staff and broader community.”

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