Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare to Close Surge Unit as Flu Cases Fall

Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare is set to close its 2North Surge Unit as local flu cases decline. The unit, which opened on December 16, 2023, was established to assist Windsor Regional Hospital and Erie Shores HealthCare during a surge in flu-related hospitalizations over the holiday period. The unit provided 20 beds to accommodate patients awaiting long-term care placements, easing the burden on emergency departments already experiencing high volumes.

During the initial operational period from December 16 to January 12, 2024, the surge unit admitted 21 patients. This figure contrasts sharply with the previous year’s usage, when the unit opened in September 2022 and closed in April 2023, recording a total of 202 admissions throughout that timeframe. The recent reduction in flu cases has prompted a reassessment of the unit’s status.

Impact of Increased Emergency Visits

According to Shannon Landry, Vice President of Clinical Services Restorative Care and Chief Nursing Executive at Hotel-Dieu, the decision to open the surge unit was based on a notable rise in emergency department visits across local hospitals. “Our patient population was at about 95 to 100 percent occupancy, so we had to move some patients through, and the only way to do that was to open up our surge beds,” Landry explained.

This year marked a distinct trend compared to last winter, with patients arriving at emergency departments in more severe health conditions. Landry noted that while the surge in cases began mid-December, it was around December 27 and 28 when acute care partners began experiencing significant patient volumes. The activation of the surge unit enabled the hospital to manage this influx more effectively.

Vaccination Efforts and Future Plans

The primary focus of the 2North Surge Unit has been to facilitate the transition of patients awaiting long-term care, thereby allowing acute care facilities to accommodate patients in need of immediate medical attention. Landry emphasized that all patients transferred to Hotel-Dieu must meet specific criteria to ensure they receive appropriate care.

In addition to managing the surge in patients, Hotel-Dieu has actively participated in vaccination efforts, administering a total of 191 flu vaccines and 139 COVID-19 vaccines to its vulnerable patient population. As flu cases continue to decline and local healthcare partners experience improved conditions, the 2North Surge Unit is expected to cease accepting new referrals on February 6, 2024.

The closure of the surge unit reflects a positive trend in public health as the community transitions away from the peak flu season, highlighting the collaborative efforts among local healthcare providers to ensure patient safety and effective care delivery.