Ontario Hospitals Are Reinforcing System Partners in Fight Against COVID-19

TORONTO, April 15, 2020 /CNW/ - "The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) supports today's announcement by Premier Doug Ford to ramp up protection in long-term care and strengthen this front in the war against COVID-19. Unfortunately, at present, the devastating brunt of COVID-19 is being felt in long-term care, retirement homes, and other congregate settings like shelters and community living homes. Even as Ontario nears its peak among the general population, mortality rates are climbing rapidly in these settings, according to modeling by epidemiologist David N. Fisman. 

Residents of long-term care and congregate settings are older, frailer and have more complex conditions, and the virus is transmitted quickly among residents and staff, leading to rampant spread and tragic loss of life. Given these extraordinary circumstances, Ontario hospitals are deepening their collaboration with health system partners to prevent the unnecessary loss of life in these settings. The OHA applauds the efforts of all the dedicated staff in long-term care, retirement homes and other congregate settings who have been working incredibly hard to try and hold the line in this fight to date.

Ontario hospitals are able to voluntarily step up and provide reinforcements to support their colleagues across the health care system. Hospitals have expertise and capabilities that can reinforce and augment efforts already underway. As heartbreaking stories continue to emerge, time is of the essence.

Our success or failure as a province in coping with this pandemic will be determined by how well we collaborate as a single, interdependent system to support those who need help the most."

• Anthony Dale, President and CEO, Ontario Hospital Association

SOURCE Ontario Hospital Association