A Message to the Community from Eric Vandewall, President & CEO, Joseph Brant Hospital October 6, 2022

With students back at school and families settling into their routines after summer holidays, I would like to encourage you to continue to take proactive measures over the weeks and months ahead to help reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and the flu within our community.

These small steps – such as washing your hands regularly, getting the COVID-19 bivalent booster and seasonal flu shot if eligible, staying home when you feel ill, and reviewing your health care options before seeking care at the Emergency Department – can make a big difference in reducing the impact both viruses can have on hospital capacity and wait times.

When visiting JBH, it is also important to self-screen for COVID-19 before entering, and to follow our mandatory masking policy by changing to a hospital-provided mask upon entry and wearing it throughout your visit. This is critical to help protect everyone’s health and safety: our patients, their loved ones, and our staff, physicians and volunteers.

It is important to keep this in mind as JBH – like many other hospitals across Ontario – is continuing to experience challenges moving into flu season. In September:

• the hospital’s acute care occupancy average was 99.8%
• As of September 30, 53 healthcare workers were off due to COVID-19
• Approximately 2,321 people are waiting for surgery at JBH

This time of year provides an opportunity to give thanks, and there is much to be grateful for. I would like to thank our community for your support and understanding, and to our staff, physicians and volunteers who continue to provide and support excellent and compassionate care.

On behalf of Joseph Brant Hospital, I wish you and your family a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

Eric Vandewall

President & CEO

Joseph Brant Hospital