Patient transfers possible in Manitoba during respiratory virus season: Shared Health
Shared Health is taking steps to ensure non-COVID health services are maintained for Manitobans in the next several weeks, which could include transfers to other hospitals across the province.
The organization said protocols to improve patient flow are being started to deal with, "increasing pressure in the coming weeks," such as the potential rise of COVID-19 admissions, as well as the start of respiratory virus and influenza seasons.
"These protocols, which are somewhat similar to those used pre-COVID to alleviate pressure during periods of increased patient demand at specific sites, will identify and potentially transfer stable patients within our most acute hospitals to other facilities that can provide care," a spokesperson said in a statement on Friday.
Shared Health noted this could include moving patients to other health regions.
"This protocol, which began being implemented today, may include transferring some patients in Winnipeg to appropriate facilities in other health regions."
Dr. Brent Roussin, the chief provincial public health officer, addressed the changes at a news conference on Friday, noting this is all about making sure the health-care system is prepared.
"We want to ensure all Manitobans are available to receive the care they need and one of the best ways to do that is to ensure the person receiving the care is in the right place in our system," said Roussin.
Shared Health said hospitals throughout the province have the capacity along with skilled staff to address a variety of health conditions.
"Clinical teams are carefully matching the care needs of any patient identified as appropriate for transport, with the services and skilled staff at the receiving site."
The spokesperson said patients and their families are being told about these protocols.
"We recognize this can be unsettling and disruptive, and we will do our best to communicate plans as soon as they are made to support patients and families through the process."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
'Tactical evacuations' underway near Fort Nelson, B.C., as wildfires encroach
The BC Wildfire Service says 'tactical evacuations' began Friday near Fort Nelson, B.C., due to an out-of-control wildfire that has grown rapidly since it was discovered earlier in the afternoon.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.