“It’s important that we understand how easily the virus can be transmitted, especially with the new variants. We cannot let our guard down.”
Everyone needed to adapt quickly.
In July 2020, 5 West at Hamilton General Hospital was converted to the site’s COVID-19 unit, where COVID patients were transferred to receive care while isolating safely from the rest of the patient population. Setting up the new unit was vital to handling the influx of patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
“New standard processes and a new workflow were adopted in a very short timeframe,” explains Ellen Begin, Clinical Manager. “As we continue to care for COVID patients in the unit, our team’s approach is extremely methodical as we follow strict protocols to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.”
The multi-disciplinary health care team that supports the 31-bed unit wears personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. They also follow physical-distancing protocols to reduce the chances of viral spread. Work spaces in the unit have been spread out accordingly and capacity-control measures are in place for shared areas.
The COVID team use the technique of “clustering care,” which involves minimizing trips in and out of a patient’s room by grouping the patient’s care into single visits whenever possible. This maximizes efficiency and reduces the risk of viral transmission.
“Educating patients and families prior to discharge is another important part of our work,” says Ellen. “Providing education to our patients and their families on the proper way to isolate and use PPE helps to keep them safe after they’ve left the Hospital.”
Ellen is extremely proud of her team members, who work under high pressure every day.
“They are remarkable individuals who always come to work with a smile and a positive attitude, ready to help others. As a team, we continue to build resilience by reflecting on what we’re grateful for in our lives.”
Although vaccination has begun in the community, Ellen urges people to continue following safety protocols by remaining a minimum of 2 meters apart, sanitizing and wearing masks.
“People of all ages can become seriously sick very quickly,” she says. “It’s important that we understand how easily the virus can be transmitted, especially with the new variants. We cannot let our guard down.”
