NIAGARA,ON: The Niagara Health System, in consultation with Niagara Region Public Health, today declared the C. difficile outbreak at the Welland Site over.
“We know the last weeks and months have been extremely difficult for our patients, visitors and staff, and we would like to thank everyone for their understanding and support,” says Dr. Sue Matthews, NHS Interim President and CEO. “The NHS team will continue to work to our fullest capacity to bring an end to the C. difficile outbreaks at the Niagara Falls and St. Catharines sites.”
Regular discussions with Public Health and other infectious disease specialists, including Dr. Michael Gardam, Director of Infection Prevention and Control for the University Health Network in Toronto, indicate the hospital is on track to bring an end to the outbreaks in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines.
“Our vigilance will continue at all of our sites, and we will go above and beyond infection prevention and control standards both now and in the future,” says Dr. Matthews. “We have taken many steps to improve our practices, including enhanced surveillance and cleaning. Our healthcare team wants to deliver the best possible care and the best protection for our patients, and we are committed to ongoing improvement and learning in everything that we do.”
Restricted visiting hours and all other heightened infection prevention and control measures introduced at the Welland Site due to the outbreak will remain in place for the coming weeks to ensure continued vigilance by everyone. All restrictions and measures also remain in effect at the Niagara Falls and St. Catharines sites.
