UPDATE: Effective 8 a.m. this morning, Oct. 19, services have resumed at Rosthern Hospital, including emergency and outpatient services.
The hospital was temporarily closed Sunday as the result of a COVID positive case and associated contact tracing and safety reviews underway. For a positive case of COVID-19, Public Health interviews the case to determine with whom they have had contact during their infectious period, and Infection Prevention Control and Occupational Health and Safety are immediately notified of all positive tests in SHA facilities and engaged to ensure all appropriate protocols are in place. The effect of these precautionary measures resulted in an impact on immediate staffing and the need to temporarily close the hospital.
On Sunday evening, risk assessments, including a review of personal protective equipment (PPE) use and cleaning protocols, were completed and it was determined staff were deemed safe to return to work. Patients are no longer being transferred out of the hospital, and all services can safely resume this morning.
BACKGROUND: The Saskatchewan Health Authority has announced the temporary closure of Rosthern Hospital effective Sunday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. until further notice, as the result of a COVID positive case and associated contact tracing now underway within the hospital. During this time, emergency services and all outpatient services will not be available at the facility. In the event of an emergency call 911 and an ambulance will be dispatched to provide assistance. Non-urgent health related questions can be directed to the provincial HealthLine 811, by dialing 811.
