Outbreak declared at St. Peter’s Hospital

HAMILTON, ON – In consultation with Hamilton Public Health Services, Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) has declared an outbreak of COVID-19 on the Restorative care unit of St. Peter’s Hospital after two patients tested positive for the virus. Both patients have been transferred to the COVID unit at the Hamilton General Hospital (HGH).

The Restorative Care Unit is currently closed for admissions. No visitors are currently allowed on the unit except on compassionate grounds. Staff working on the unit will not work anywhere else until the outbreak is declared over.

We are currently testing all health care workers on this unit as well as any staff and physician who may have spent prolonged periods of time on the unit. We are also testing the remainder of patients on the unit.

Additional cleaning in the unit beyond the enhanced cleaning practices that are already in place is underway. HHS Infection Prevention and Control and Employee Health Services are working with Hamilton Public Health to identify and inform individuals who may be contacts.

As per new temporary visiting guidelines:

• In-patient visits to other units will be limited to two essential caregivers/support persons from the same household, or those who are the patient’s consistent caregiver.
• Only one person will be permitted at the patient’s bedside at a time; however, exceptions will be made for patients receiving end-of-life care.
• Visiting hours will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.