QCH to slow down some services due to staffing challenges

December 29, 2021

Queensway Carleton Hospital is taking steps to address a temporary staffing shortage caused by COVID-19. The hospital will slow down services in Ambulatory Care, therapeutic services, Endo/Cysto, and other areas, where possible, to redeploy staff. This week the operating room is currently performing only emergency and cancer surgeries and will re-assess next week’s plans on Monday.

This morning, occupancy was 107%, which isn’t unusually high for this time of year, but there is 141% occupancy in medicine and 150 patients on isolation precautions. Staffing is the primary challenge the hospital faces. More than 40 staff have tested positive for COVID-19, primarily from household contact, creating staffing shortages in several areas.

“We appreciate how difficult this is for our patients whose care needs may be delayed. Please know, this isn’t a decision that was made lightly.  The team is working very hard to provide the highest quality care, and to return to normal operations as soon as we can,” said Kerry Cook, Interim Chief Nursing Executive and Vice President of Patient Care.

The hospital is asking for the community’s support — by saving the Emergency department for emergencies and considering other options, such as family doctors and walk-in clinics. QCH is also asking patients who come to Emergency to prepare for longer-than-usual waits. We appreciate the patience and support of this wonderful community we serve.

 

Media Inquiries:
Ann Fuller
Chief Communications Officer
afuller@qch.on.ca