The Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team are reaching out to the seasonal residents of Haliburton County.
In a recent press release, the family health team explain the challenge a substantial influx of visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic would have on their ability to source adequate beds, medical supplies, equipment and personal protective equipment.
While understanding the importance of seasonal residents and visitors contribution to the local economy, the health team are requesting consideration before choosing to reside in the county during this difficult period.
The dedicated but small pool of local physicians as well as travelling physicians work at the hospitals, their own clinics as well as 3 Long Term Care homes. The Minden hospital is an emergency department with no inpatient beds. Neither location is equipped as an ICU, and each has only two transport ventilators, used for transport to the closest ICU – an hour away.
The family health team also acknowledge the large proportion of senior citizens in their practice, relying on the local doctors to keep them safe.
They ask that seasonal residents recognize the limits of the local health care system, and consider remaining in their primary residence, where they will receive more advanced care if they need it.
