Ontario health officials update on health system

Ontario health officials update on health system

TORONTO — Ontario is experiencing “extraordinary pressure” in its health system particularly in pediatric care due to the “triple threat” of the viruses: COVID; respiratory synsytial virus or RSV; and influenza occurring at the same time.

This was the announcement made by Dr. Chris Simpson executive vice president (Medical) at Ontario Health, during a media conference held at Queen’s Park Monday, November14, where he and Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, gave an update on Ontario’s health system.

An “unusually high” number of children are coming into the emergency departments with one of the three illnesses, with the “total number of these children requiring admission uncommonly high,” Simpson added.

Moore spoke on what should be done, considering the present challenges to the health system. “In response to the worsening trends and existing challenges for our health care system, I’m strongly recommending that all Ontarians, not just those at high risk, wear a mask in indoor public settings, especially around our most vulnerable Ontarians, the very young and the very old,” he said, adding that he was not for mandating mask-wearing at present.

He urged, however, that Ontarians “get back to the basics” by “following all the layers of protection.”

Meanwhile, Simpson announced that all hospitals and their emergency departments have implemented “surge plans to increase bed capacity and refocus resources to deal with the influx of pediatric patients.”

He further gave the assurance that “all pediatric patients will be seen when they come to a hospital.”

“If they require admission, then we will look after them,” Simpson added. — M.A.G.