Accessing Health Services in Winnipeg During a Pandemic

The Winnipeg Health Region is planning to provide health services as usual in the months ahead. However, some services, including elective surgery, or other non-critical services in Winnipeg hospitals may be postponed, depending on the level of influenza activity in our community. Services normally available at the Winnipeg Health Region's primary care and ACCESS centres may also be adjusted if staff members are required elsewhere in the health system to assist with the care and treatment of people with influenza.

The Winnipeg Health Region will advise the public of any service changes on our website and through the local media. Individuals can also check with their health facility or provider to confirm appointments if you are unsure.

Safety Precautions in Health Facilities

Should a serious outbreak of influenza occur during the next few months, a number of steps will be taken to protect patients in hospitals and clinics as well as residents in long-term care facilities. Also in order prevent the spread of seasonal or H1N1 influenza, all visitors to hospitals, clinics and personal care homes will be asked to adhere to certain precautions and restrictions such as:

• Not to visit a patient at a hospital or a resident at a personal care home at any time if you feel unwell with a fever, cough, body aches or fatigue, or have had any of these symptoms in the last seven days.
  
  
• Use hand sanitizer or wash their hands at a sink when entering and leaving a patient's room or unit.
  
  
• Follow any special precautions posted outside a unit or on a patient's or resident's room before entering.
  
  
• If you are unwell and have a pre-arranged appointment that can be postponed, please contact your health provider or facility to reschedule or receive further direction about your appointment. Also, those with business in health facilities in Winnipeg should not attend if they are ill.
  
  
• In Intensive Care Units or other patient treatment areas where additional restrictions are necessary, the number of visitors will be limited. Also, all visitors will be required to put on the appropriate masks, gowns and/or other personal protective equipment before entering a patient's room. Bringing children to visit into these areas is not encouraged however, should this be necessary, children must be supervised at all times.

Going to a Hospital or Health Facility for Care

If you are sick with influenza-like symptoms and need to go to a hospital Emergency Department, Urgent Care or medical clinic, you will encounter signs upon entering these facilities asking you to "Stop and Cover your Cough." Instructions on the signs will ask you to use the hand hygiene products provided and put on a mask before continuing to the reception /triage desk or waiting area. This important step will further reduce the spread of influenza in our health facilities.

For the latest information on service availability, please visit www.wrha.mb.ca or call Health Links-Info Santé at 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257.

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Wave is published six times a year by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority in cooperation with the Winnipeg Free Press. It is available at newsstands, hospitals and clinics throughout Winnipeg, as well as McNally Robinson Books.