Now, more than ever, Norfolk General Hospital needs the support and help of the community, the hospital’s president and CEO says.
Todd Stepanuik says COVID-19 combined with a surge in viral illnesses has resulted in severe staffing shortages that are stretching hospital resources beyond capacity.
“The reality is COVID-19 is still very much present in Haldimand-Norfolk,” Stepanuik said in a letter to the community posted on the hospital’s social media page. “There is still a high risk of transmission in the community and many individuals can still face severe outcomes if infected.
“Now, with the addition of a seasonal surge in viral illness, our hospital capacity is being challenged like never before.”
The hospital has frequently reached or exceeded 100 per cent occupancy over the past year and in recent months it has, on a daily basis, been running in excess of 100 per cent occupancy.
The ongoing challenges experienced by hospital staff throughout COVID-19 are now being felt in an escalated manner, Stepanuik said.
Aggressive recruitment efforts have come up short because there aren’t enough applicants to fill positions, he said.
The hospital has been offering a $10,000 signing bonus for new nurses.
“Staffing shortages are further exacerbated by a rise in the number of staff and physicians in self-isolation due to COVID, and a much higher number than usual of staff off ill due to influenza-like illness, while also caring for family members who are ill at home,” Stepanuik said. “To paint a clear picture, nearly 80 NGH staff were unable to report to work after testing positive for COVID-19 or an influenza-like illness in the month of November 2022.
“So far this month (December), roughly 70 staff have been unable to report to work for the same reasons.”
The situation has forced the hospital to make some difficult decisions including the temporary closure of its emergency department on two occasions because it didn’t have enough staff.
“The bottom line is that our dedicated staff and physicians are not immune from becoming ill,” Stepanuik said.
Stepanuik is urgent residents to get flu and COVID-19 shots, wash their hands, wear a mask, especially indoors, practice physical distancing and stay home when feeling ill.
Measures like screening of visitors, masking, implementing visitor restrictions when needed, and enhanced infection and prevention control measures at the hospital have become a life-savers for the community and the hospital, Stepanuik said.
“We understand that people are growing tired of the pandemic,” he added. “It has been a tough, exhausting, and emotionally draining 2.5 years.
“We get it – our amazing hospital teams feel it too.”
People need to show a little more kindness, patience, support, encouragement, and respect to the staff and physicians who continue to selflessly work around the clock to provide care, Stepanuik said.
“These care providers are your neighbors and friends,” he added.
Stepanuik thanked hospital staff, volunteers and physicians for everything they do and have done to keep patients safe throughout the pandemic and now, as viral illnesses put additional pressure on them.
“They pulled together quickly when called to action,” he said. “They have also gone above and beyond every day to keep our patients and our communities safe.
“And we are so proud of how they handled and have supported each other, including our valued healthcare partners.”
Hospital staff, volunteers and physicians are doing everything possible to care for their patients.
“On behalf of all of us at Norfolk General Hospital, we hope you take this message to heart,” Stepanuik said. ‘
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