Visitor precautions in place at several health facilities

Visitor precautions are being put at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Sherwood Home due to the presence of influenza, and at Beach Grove Home as several patients are experiencing gastro-intestinal illness.

Effective immediately and until further notice,  the QEH is limiting visitation on Unit 8 (general medical and acute stroke unit) to no more than two (2) visitors at one time for no longer than one hour at a time.  

Sherwood Home and Beach Grove Home are asking visitors to stay home if they are feeling unwell to prevent the further spread of illness to residents and both homes.  

“Patients experiencing gastro-intestinal and influenza illness symptoms are being placed on precautions and staff have heightened infection control practices. To ensure patient and public safety, visiting precautions are being put in place effective immediately,” said Tara Ferguson, provincial infection prevention and control manager.

It is extremely important that everyone coming to the hospitals and long-term care facilities clean their hands before and after entering a patient’s room, a department, and upon entering and leaving the facility.  Alcohol hand rinse stations are available throughout health care facilities for this purpose.

The situation will be reassessed Monday morning as more information becomes available. A further update will be provided at that time.

Health PEI reminds Islanders that is not too late to get a flu shot, which  is the most effective way to prevent getting sick with influenza. Islanders can make a flu shot appointment with Public Health Nursing by calling 1-855-354-4358. Family physicians and local pharmacies are also providing flu shots; please call ahead to make an appointment if necessary.

Media contact:

Amanda Hamel

Senior Communications Officer

Health PEI

(902) 368-6135

ajhamel@gov.pe.ca