Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Southpoint Sun - 9
Province easing visitor restrictions at long-term care homes ONTARIO — With key public health and health care indicators continuing to show signs of improvement, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is cautiously and gradually lifting temporary public health measures at longterm care homes starting February 7, 2022. “Our government responded swiftly to the
Omicron variant to protect the health and safety of residents and staff in long-term care homes,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care. “With public health and health care indicators now improving, we are cautiously lifting these measures so our residents can spend time with more friends and family that play such an important role in their health and
wellbeing.” Effective February 7, the maximum number of designated caregivers per resident increased from two to four, and will continue to be subject to a limit of two per resident at one time. In addition, residents who have had at least three doses of COVID-19 vaccine wereable to resume social day trips. Effective February 21,
general visitors five years and older who have had at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine will be able to resume visits to long-term care residents. The number of visitors at a time, per resident, will also increase from two to three, including caregivers. In addition, all residents, regardless of vaccination status, will be able to resume social day trips, and residents who have
Erie Shores names new chief of staff ESSEX COUNTY - The Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) Board of Directors recently announced that long-time ESHC physician Dr. Luther Heys has been appointed the hospital’s new Chief of Staff. Dr. Heys assumes the role from Dr. Ross Moncur, who retired from the role effective February 7. “We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Heys into this important role,” said Kris Taylor, ESHC Board Chair. “As the Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO) and a practicing physician at ESHC, the Erie Shores Family Health Team and an area longterm care home, Dr. Heys has a strong understanding of our role as a com-
munity hospital.” As Chief of Staff, Dr. Heys will provide medical leadership to the hospital’s clinical programs. He will also provide administrative oversight, ensuring physicians and physician learners are appropriately credentialed and in step with the necessary professional standards of practice and that quality medical services are managed effectively, consistent with ESHC’s strategic plan. “This is a critical role at the hospital,” said ESHC President and CEO Kristin Kennedy. “Beyond COVID-19, we have an ambitious plan to continuously improve the health care experience for
the people and communities we serve, as well as to build on our staff engagement, retention and recruitment. I look forward to working with Dr. Heys in this new role.” Dr. Heys, a General Practitioner Anesthetist at ESHC for over 15-years, trained and practiced in South Africa before moving to Canada. He has also worked in High Prairie and Vermillion, Alberta. Most recently, in his role as CMIO, Dr. Heys was a crucial part of implementing ESHC’s electronic hospital information system, Cerner Millennium. “I am excited to be part of the team at ESHC and build on the work done by
my predecessor, Dr. Moncur,” said Dr. Heys. “Significant strides have been made under Dr. Moncur’s leadership over the last few years regarding the safety and quality of patient care. My vision is to build on this foundation and enhance the impact of Erie Shores both locally and regionally.” Dr. Heys will maintain his family practice at the Kingsville location of the Erie Shores Family Health Team and will continue to be part of the physician group at Chartwell Royal Oak Long-Term Care Residence. Dr. Heys will also remain a member of the Department of Anesthesia at ESHC.
had at least three vaccine doses will be able to enjoy overnight social absences. The return of general visitors to homes will mean adult day programs can resume, along with the return of entertainers and external personal care services in the homes. Social group activities should remain
small, with up to 10 individuals. Testing requirements for all staff, caregivers and visitors continue to be in place. The government will closely monitor the situation in long-term care homes and continue to adjust measures as necessary to keep homes safe for residents and staff.
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