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“Everyone gained a better understanding of the different steps along the continuum of care for patients and we built valuable, lasting relationships.”
“The Regional Rehabilitation Centre stopped admitting patients in late March,” explains Rebecca Fleck, Director of the Regional Rehabilitation Program at Hamilton Health Sciences. “Outpatient services went virtual where possible and inpatients were sent home in cases where it was safe to do so. Other inpatients were transferred along with health care team members to St. Peter’s Hospital.”
In addition to increased admissions at St. Peter’s Hospital with transfers from the Regional Rehabilitation Centre, ALC (Alternative Level of Care) patients who could not be sent home safely were transferred from Hamilton General Hospital and Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre to create capacity for COVID beds.
“Thanks to all the managers, physicians and staff who made everything happen so quickly and seamlessly,” says Leslie Gillies, Director and Site Administrator of St. Peter’s Hospital. “I’m proud that we kept our sole focus on supporting patients and families as compassionately and effectively as possible.”
During the summer, patients and staff from the Regional Rehabilitation Centre and Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre either returned home or to their home sites, but the positive impact of the collaboration is ongoing.
“Teams that don’t usually work directly together were able to collaborate and it was a unique educational opportunity,” says Leslie. “Everyone gained a better understanding of the different steps along the continuum of care for patients and we built valuable, lasting relationships.”
