News Releases - 2003
July 18, 2003
Attention News/Health Editors
Public Health says Respiratory Outbreak at West
Park Healthcare Centre is not SARS
Toronto - West Park Healthcare Centre was released from SARS precautions
today by Toronto Public Health, which declared the centre's respiratory
outbreak has not been caused by SARS. Patients in the centre's respiratory
services had been placed in precautionary isolation earlier this week
after some of them had developed fevers and/ or respiratory symptoms.
"Everyone at the centre is relieved by this news," said Barry Monaghan,
president and CEO. "Although we will need to wait another 10 days
for results of other tests for other viruses, Public Health has confirmed
that our SARS tests were negative."
"I would like to commend the professional manner in which staff and
physicians have once again conducted themselves with grace and patience
during this very anxious time, and to thank our residents, patients
and their families for their support and understanding as we imposed
tighter restrictions on their activities this week. I know it has
been a very stressful time for everyone and we are glad that we can
share this good news. Thank you all for helping us to contain the
spread of this virus."
The centre has told staff that it has lifted its advisory that they
follow work/home quarantine procedures. Visitors to the 2 West floors
will not be permitted until the respiratory outbreak is over.
The centre is continuing its one designated visitor policy for patients
and residents in other areas of the centre. Admissions to non-respiratory
services and out-patient visits will re-commence on Monday, July 21.
West Park Healthcare Centre is the regional rehabilitation centre
for the western Greater Toronto Area and a local provider of complex
continuing care and long-term care. The centre specializes in treatment
of respiratory disorders and also provides services to individuals
recovering from strokes, amputations, musculoskeletal injuries, brain
injuries and degenerative chronic conditions.
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