Kelowna General Hospital. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)
Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) has been designated as one of five hospitals in BC to assess and treat any suspected Ebola cases.
Though the likelihood of having a confirmed Ebola case in B.C. remains low, the province is preparing B.C.'s responses and training staff. Five hospitals will act as regional centres “to assess those at higher risk of having Ebola and to treat Ebola cases”. Staff will be trained at KGH about how to receive, isolate, and triage those who could be infected with the disease.
(Photo Credit: KelownaNow)
Infection control experts are also revising the guidelines for health-care staff's personal protective equipment. “Staff will be fully covered, with no skin showing,” says Health Minister Terry Lake. “Protocols will also include a buddy system for staff where one staff member will observe the other donning and doffing protective equipment to ensure there is no risk for self-contamination.”
Preparation also includes weekly teleconferences between the various organizations involved to pass along information and answer questions.
The other four hospitals that are preparing are B.C. Children's Hospital, University Hospital of Northern BC, Surrey Memorial Hospital, and Royal Jubilee Hospital.
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