These are challenging and unprecedented times. Be assured RVH is taking extraordinary measures to keep our patients, staff, physicians – and our community – safe.

We learned many lessons from SARS, H1N1 and Ebola and RVH has evolved our emergency planning to a new level of preparedness. Our staff and physicians are well-trained and mobilized to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have cared for patients who have tested positive for COVID-19, and tragically, two of those patients have passed away. Our heartfelt sympathies have been extended to those families and their deaths underscore the seriousness of this virus.

To keep you safe, and ensure RVH can continue to provide high-quality care, we are doing everything we can to face this pandemic head-on, including:

  • Implementing a no visitor policy; of course, there are some exceptions to this on a case-by-case basis.
  • We’ve closed all public entrances to the health centre, except the main entrance, so we can carefully screen for symptoms before coming into the building.
  • Most outpatient clinics and non-elective surgeries have been postponed to minimize non-essential visits and ensure we can redeploy staff to where they are most needed.
  • RVH partnered with the Barrie Community Health Centre, Barrie and Community Family Medicine Clinics, Barrie and Community Family Health Team, Huronia Urgent Care Clinic, County of Simcoe and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to open a dedicated COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 490 Huronia Rd.
  • A drive-thru testing centre has also been opened on RVH’s campus for patients referred to us by public health, a family physician, the assessment centre or our own Emergency department.
  • We’re working closely with local businesses to ensure we have the necessary equipment and supplies to keep our patients and TEAM RVH safe.
  • RVH has a plan to increase critical care capacity should we need it.

TEAM RVH is working tirelessly on the frontlines in this battle against COVID-19 and you can share your messages of support and appreciation using the hashtag #ShowRVHlove. RVH will keep you up-to-date with accurate information on our website rvh.on.ca and on our social media channels.

I have been in healthcare for almost 40 years and I have never seen anything like this. Understandably, the uncertainty of the situation has left everyone feeling anxious and frightened. I urge you to be prepared, not scared. And I want to assure you, when you need RVH, we will be there for you and the people you love.

No one knows how long this pandemic will last, but we know it will be a marathon, not a sprint. We all have an important

role to play in flattening the curve. Please, do your part to contain the spread of COVID-19. Wash your hands. Practice social distancing.

We’re staying here for you. Please – stay home for us.