Staff at Erie Shores HealthCare dedicated to fighting COVID-19

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — Staff at Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) are preparing for the long-haul when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the past week, the COVID-19 preparations have been ongoing with the expectation that the virus issue will get worse before it gets better.

Currently, visiting hours have been suspended. No visitors are allowed at Erie Shores HealthCare, with a small number of exceptions for maternity, ICU and palliative patients. No outside food or flower delivery to patients is allowed and it was announced last week that during the duration of this pandemic, patient television will be free of charge.

Driving by, you may notice a large trailer outside of the Emergency Department entrance. This screening trailer is being used to screen patients, palliative visitors and any other members of the public. You’ll be asked if you’ve had a fever, cough or shortness of breath and if you’ve travelled outside of Canada or have been in contact with someone who has.

Arms Bumanlag, ESHC Director of Communications and Public Relations, told the Sun on Monday that staff is holding up as best as can be expected. “The mood has been one of preparedness and heightened awareness,” he said. “A lot of sacrifices are being made by all of these people to make sure Erie Shores Health- Care is able to face this crisis head-on.”

Nurses, doctors, EMS, maintenance staff and everyone involved in the day-to-day operations are going above and beyond, according to Bumanlag.

“I couldn’t be more proud.” he said.

In addition, Bumanlag is amazed with the way the community has reached out, from people calling in donation offers and also families showing up in the parking lot, entertaining staff and patients alike.

Erie Shores Health- Care has also set up a new Patient Service Line at 519-326-2373 extension 4481. It is an information line that operates from 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday.

Bumanlag recommends checking out the ESHC Facebook page or their website at erieshoreshealthcare.ca

Two of the frontline staff members at Erie Shores HealthCare demonstrate the importance of ‘staying home for us’. From front line medical personnel, to housekeeping, to behind-the-scenes staff, they are all going above and beyond and they ask you to simply ‘stay home’.