Staffing levels at Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) continue to be impacted by COVID-19.
As of Jan. 12, there were 48 staff who had tested positive for the virus. An additional 31 staff are in self-isolation for being a high-risk contact of a case, according to a weekly update on the COVID-19 situation at the hospital.
The hospital employs a total of 930 people and agency nurses are being used to keep staffing levels stable.
There are 31 people admitted who are confirmed cases, up from 24 yesterday. Five of the admissions were related to COVID-19, with the other people going to the hospital for another reason and testing positive after. There are 48 patients who have been tested and are waiting for results or who will be tested.
TADH expects to do about 40 per cent of its historical surgical and outpatient clinics in the next two weeks.
This is due to a Ministry of Health directive requiring all Ontario hospitals to postpone non-urgent surgeries and procedures in an effort to preserve health human resources.
For capacity, the hospital is at 77 per cent of its total occupancy.
"The intensive care unit (ICU) is currently at 100 per cent capacity in the six-bed unit. Our hospital has initiated our surge strategy, which will allow us to increase our ICU to 10 beds when required," reads the TADH update.
The surge plans are constantly assessed, and the hospital says it has the capacity to respond to the community's needs.
"We want to assure the community TADH remains a safe place and to not delay accessing care if you need it. The emergency department at TADH remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week," according to the update.
The outbreak declared a week ago is ongoing. It affects the Med A and Med B units. The hospital is working with Ontario Health and the Porcupine Health Unit to ensure the safety of patients, staff and doctors.
For testing, the COVID-19 Assessment centre across the street from the hospital is open seven days a week.
From Monday, Jan. 3 to Sunday, Jan. 9, 379 people were tested, with an average of 54 tests a day.
Staff and doctors are also doing their part to get vaccinated.
As of Jan. 12, 388 staff and doctors had received their COVID booster shot. The hospital has a vaccination policy requiring all staff, physicians and contracts to be fully vaccinated or have document proof of a medical and/or human rights exemption.
The hospital encourages the public to get vaccinated, including their third dose, as well.
