Winnipeg hospitals have dealt with an influenza outbreak that put a strain on resources over the past six weeks.
Although this flu season saw lower-than-average numbers of influenza cases, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority said those who were admitted to hospital were sicker, requiring admission to Intensive Care Units, and in some cases, requiring ventilation.
The Children’s Hospital also saw a spike in patients admitted for other reasons, including higher numbers of newborns requiring ICU care.
“It’s been a strain on our staff, who have taken on additional shifts, worked overtime, including mandated overtime shifts to provide care to our patients, for which we’re extremely grateful,” WRHA Vice-President and Chief Nursing Officer Lori Lamont said in a news release.
The health authority said the influenza outbreak is mostly over now, but hospitals are still dealing with other issues.
Because of the continuing challenges at Children’s Hospital, the WRHA has invoked an emergency clause in its collective agreement which it says allows it to shift staff around to try to keep up demand.
