As of Saturday, July 25, all of Southlake Regional Health Centre’s units are COVID-19 patient-free for the first time since the first admitted patient on March 16, 2020.
“This is a testament to the diligence and teamwork of Southlake staff and physicians,” said Arden Krystal, President & CEO, Southlake Regional Health Centre. “It has been a taxing time but our collective resolve to work together to keep everyone as safe as possible was critical to our success in managing COVID-19 at Southlake. Countless staff have been redeployed and numerous processes changed – and throughout it all staff have continually shown what our Southlake values really mean. The Power of many is one of those values I was reminded of as I walked the halls throughout this pandemic, and I am so proud of our staff.”
At its peak, Southlake had 20 patients in COVID units and 10 in the ICU. Over the span of the pandemic more than 95 patients have been hospitalized at Southlake with the virus.
“We want to thank all staff and physicians at Southlake, as well as our partners across the healthcare system, for their continued support and vigilance,” said Dr. Steven Beatty, Chief of Staff, Southlake. “There is no question that the team effort demonstrated by our healthcare professionals, through their proper use of personal protective equipment and adherence to infection prevention protocols, played a significant role in patient recovery and staff safety. Even though our last COVID-19 patient has been discharged, these practices will continue, as the pandemic is not over.”
Although this is a positive development, there have been many other victories along the way. These include patients who survived COVID-19 and left the hospital to go home to their families, as well as the continued outpouring of community support – meals and free coffee provided for staff, drive-by parades, donations of PPE, letters of support and handmade cards, and so much more. The support of our community has significantly helped to boost the morale of staff and physicians during this time and Southlake is grateful.
