WRHA PCH COVID-19 Status Update

November 19, 2020

Currently, 42 of 81 residents at Golden Links Lodge are confirmed COVID-19 positive. This evening, the home asked the WRHA for additional and immediate support to manage the outbreak and ensure the care and safety of residents.

The home’s most pressing issue is a significant staffing challenge related to the COVID-19 outbreak. The WRHA has made arrangements with WFPS to provide Immediate clinical support in the form of a two-person EMS team for the evening and through the night tonight. Two physicians were onsite earlier today to perform assessments of all residents. WRHA Respiratory and community intravenous (CIVP) teams have also been onsite.

The WRHA is also reaching out to other sectors of the health-care system, such as hospitals, for immediate staffing assistance at the home. An exemption has been granted to bring in staff members from other personal care homes.

Additionally, Golden Links Lodge has tonight asked resident’s families to send one person – preferably the primary care giver – to attend to the home and sit bedside with their loved one as a monitor, and to connect with staff if there is a change in their condition. Families should connect directly with Golden Links Lodge for more information or to discuss their loved one’s condition.

An outbreak was declared at the home on Nov. 11, and a WRHA onsite clinical management lead was placed at Golden Links Lodge shortly thereafter.

This WRHA site lead has been working collaboratively with management at the home to provide oversight and guidance on resident and clinical care aspects, staff scheduling, infection prevention and control practices, and family communication.

All steps are being taken to ensure the care and safety of residents and staff now, and throughout the duration of this outbreak.

Further situational updates will be provided as necessary.