Bluewater Health continues to tackle a backlog of non-emergent surgeries and procedures.
The hospital gradually resumed elective surgeries in mid-February, and Chief of Staff Dr. Mike Haddad said they're months away from clearing the backlog.
Dr. Michel Haddad, Chief of Professional Staff, Bluewater Health. Submitted photo.
"We're not behind on life-threatening cases, for example cancer cases, they actually never slowed down and we're up to date on those," said Haddad. "The more elective cases, albeit obviously from a patient's perspective it's not elective because they could be in pain like hip or knee replacement, we are behind. We have increased the number of cases we're doing to try and catch up, but it's going to take a while to catch up, we're months behind."
The number of COVID-positive patients at the Sarnia hospital spiked over the past two weeks, however a majority of the patients were admitted for other reasons and tested positive during a routine test.
Dr. Haddad said they expected to see an increase in cases as restrictions were lifted and people socialized more.
"At our hospital we have seen an increasing number of patients, from one to 18 in two weeks, who are testing positive but it hasn't affected our operations," said Haddad. "So, so far it's not as bad as the fifth wave, but again it's a bit early so we'll just have to be cautious and just be on the lookout."
He said the hospital is still dealing with staffing issues.
"For example, the number of staff people who are either affected by COVID or are in isolation because of exposure at home to a COVID patient is rising, so that affects our staffing," he said. "If you have more patients in the hospital with COVID, then we have to do extra steps of isolation and protection around them, so that adds more resources, so it's affecting us differently. The patients aren't as sick and more staff are isolating at home."
Dr. Haddad said they will be closely monitoring community cases and hospital admissions on an ongoing basis.
Visitor restrictions are still in place, and anyone entering the hospital will be screened and must wear a mask.
Bluewater Health was caring for 15 COVID positive patients at the Sarnia hospital Thursday.
Less than five of them were in the Intensive Care Unit. (ICU)