As flu and respiratory illness season ramps up across the region, hospitals are once again seeing the impact of contagious viruses on patients and staff. Once completed, the new South Niagara Hospital will help improve infection prevention and control, making these seasonal surges safer for its occupants and visitors.
All 475 patient rooms in the South Niagara Hospital will be single occupancy, a design decision that goes far beyond comfort and privacy. While it’s not the only feature of the South Niagara Hospital that will help reduce the spread of infections, single-occupancy rooms play a role in helping to improve infection prevention and control.
Each patient room in the new hospital will have its own washroom and space for family members. This approach will reduce the person-to-person contact spread and help lower airborne transmission.
The South Niagara Hospital’s all-private-room model represents the next generation of hospital care. Beyond infection control, research shows that private rooms can improve recovery and patient satisfaction. Patients rest better, experience fewer interruptions and can receive care and family visits in a more peaceful environment, all of which contribute to healing.
Thoughtful consideration was also given to pandemic, outbreak and disaster planning, which often puts an increased demand on hospital resources. Features such as decontamination areas, double door vestibules that can create negative pressure or anterooms, and segregated traffic routes are some examples of outbreak and pandemic planning that have been incorporated in the building.
Read this article and more in the December issue of the South Niagara Hospital Project Newsletter.
Flu Season Tips
When it comes to respiratory viruses, prevention is the best medicine. You can help stop the spread of illnesses by taking a few simple precautions. Every action makes a difference.
Stay home if you’re sick
Even mild symptoms like a sore throat or cough can spread illness to others. Rest and recover before returning to work, school or social activities.
Get your annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines
Vaccines are your best protection against serious illness and help reduce spread in the community.
Wash or sanitize your hands often
Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or hand sanitizer if soap isn’t available — especially after coughing, sneezing or being in public spaces.
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Use a tissue or your elbow, and wash your hands right after. This helps stop germs from travelling.
Wear a mask in crowded or indoor spaces
Masks add an extra layer of protection — especially if you’re in a busy area or around people who are at higher risk.
Keep some distance from others when possible
Give yourself space in crowded settings to help reduce person-to-person spread.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Wipe down doorknobs, phones, keyboards and other high-touch items regularly.
Increase ventilation
Open a window or use an air purifier to help clear the air and reduce virus particles indoors.
Take care of yourself
Get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods and stay hydrated — your immune system works best when you’re healthy and rested.
Watch the video below to learn more about the patient bedrooms in the South Niagara Hospital.
