Grand River Hospital in Kitchener has cancelled several elective surgeries for the third straight day as it grapples with a nursing shortage.
“This is a big disruption, and a big inconvenience for patients,” says Robinne Hauck, the hospital’s director of surgical programs.
“We’re not proud that we’re doing this, but it’s really for everyone’s safety.”
The hospital said Wednesday that 18 nurses from the surgical unit were at home recovering from an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness.
Since then, three support staff have been sent home after displaying the same symptoms.
Thirteen surgeries were cancelled Wednesday and Thursday. The hospital has now cancelled a further nine elective surgeries for Friday, and plans for beyond Friday have yet to be decided.
“We’re really hoping that over the weekend, things will improve, staff will return to work, and we’ll be able to ramp up again early in the next week,” says Hauck.
Hospital officials say two patients were affected by the outbreak, but are now recovering.
Hauck says emergency surgeries won’t be affected by the cancellations, only elective procedures requiring overnight care.
Reduced visitor hours remain in effect.
