In This Issue - August 2023

UPDATE:
- Resources For Patients Who Have Attempted Suicide
- Public Health and Emergency Services Open House and Alcohol CME
- Distribution of Rapid Antigen Tests in Ontario under the Provincial Antigen Screening Program
- Keeping Your Patients Healthy this Respiratory Season
REVIEW:
- Rabies Risk and Reporting
- Healthy Babies Healthy Children
- National Infection Control Week
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
- FREE TRAINING: Breastfeeding “Making a Difference” Level 2
MEDICAL ADVISORIES AND MEMOS

UPDATE: Resources For Patients Who Have Attempted Suicide

Anyone can have thoughts of suicide. Addressing suicidal thoughts directly with patients is critical to preventing suicide and offering resources for patients who have had a suicide attempt is one way to support them.

A Guide for People and Families Struggling with Suicide - order copies here
Toolkit for people who have been impacted by a suicide attempt - Mental Health Commission of Canada

While we all have a role to play in preventing suicide, health care providers have a unique opportunity to make an impact. Talking openly about suicide with patients and asking directly about thoughts of suicide can help to reduce the stigma that many people feel about the topic and can create a life-saving line of communication.

UPDATE: Public Health and Emergency Services Open House and Alcohol CME

On September 14th, health care professionals from across Niagara came together for a Public Health and Emergency Services Open House and CME event, with a focus on alcohol and health.

Public Health and Emergency Services hosted booths to share information on topics such as substance use, family health, sexual health, and more. We were also joined by the Niagara Ontario Health Team, Community Addiction Services of Niagara and Niagara Health who shared information about their programs and services.

For the second half of the evening, health care professionals learned about reducing the risk of alcohol-related harms for patients using Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health during our first session of Niagara Region Public Health Rounds: Focus on Alcohol and Health.

A recording of the Focus on Alcohol and Health session is available here.

UPDATE: Distribution of Rapid Antigen Tests in Ontario under the Provincial Antigen Screening Program

As the province prepares for the Fall/ Winter 2023-24 respiratory season, the Ministry of Health (ministry) has undertaken planning to support the health system’s readiness to respond to seasonal surges of respiratory viruses, which includes providing access to rapid antigen tests (RATs) for COVID-19, through the Provincial Antigen Screening Program (PASP).

Health Care Provider Action

Health care providers are invited to order and distribute RATs to patients on a voluntary basis, while provincial supplies last and prior to their expiry.

Patients do not need to be screened for eligibility
The distribution of RATs will not be reimbursed by the Ontario Government
RATs must be distributed to patients free-of-charge
Make use of convenient, low barrier methods to access such as a basket of tests on the reception desk
Health care providers can continue to order RATs for their employees and can now also order RATs to distribute to patients as "eligible persons" under the the PASP Agreement

How to Enroll in PASP

Health care providers who are not currently enrolled in PASP and who would like to distribute RATs to their employees and/or patients, may enroll at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/provincial-antigen-screening-program.

How to Order

Ordering pathways for health care providers who intend to distribute RATS to their patients or employees, will continue to be through the PPE Supply Portal. For assistance in creating an account or accessing an existing account, or for any questions about orders and shipment, please contact sco.supplies@supplyontario.ca.

More Information

For more information about the expansion of the PASP to allow healthcare providers to distribute RATs to patients, please contact the ministry at PASP@ontario.ca.

UPDATE: Keeping Your Patients Healthy this Respiratory Season

On September 14, 2023, the Ministry of Health issued a news release.

COVID-19 activity is rising with new variants circulating and other seasonal respiratory illness are expected early this year
RSV vaccine will be publicly funded for individuals 60 years of age and older who are living in long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, and for some retirement home residents. There is no other information on publicly funded RSV vaccine distribution at this time.
- New changes will soon allow pharmacists to administer the vaccine, which will allow homes to hire pharmacists to administer the vaccine on site and help vulnerable populations receive their dose more conveniently without leaving their home

Health Care Provider Action

Physicians can protect their eligible patients by getting their annual flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are available to them. Take the time to reassure your patients about the safety of co-administration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccination.
The ministry recommends a dose of the XBB. 1.5-containing COVID-19 mRNA vaccine for individuals in the authorized age group (i.e. 6 months and older) who have been previously vaccinated against COVID-19, if it has been 6months from the previous COVID-19 vaccine dose or known SARS-CoV-2infection
Individuals who have NOT been previously vaccinated, may use the XBB.1.5 containing COVID-19 vaccine to initiate the series
More information on availability in Niagara will be shared soon

REVIEW: Rabies Risk and Reporting

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals often transmitted through the bite or scratch of a rabid animal, such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats, dogs, and cats. We continue to identify confirmed cases of rabies in Niagara Region.

Reporting Animal Bites or Scratches

Health care professionals are required to report animal bites or scratches immediately to public health whether the animal is suspected to be rabid or not, under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario Regulation 557 - Communicable Diseases-General.

To report an animal exposure to public health:

Step 1: Complete the report online or print the form.
Step 2: Fax the completed form back to Public Health at 905-641-4994.
Step 3: Call 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7590 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) to ensure a risk assessment is completed and documented.

*After hours and on weekends, call 905-984-3690 or 1-877-552-5579.

Public Health investigates all animal exposures and will follow-up with the patient to assess the appropriate response.

For more information visit our rabies webpage.

REVIEW: Healthy Babies Healthy Children

Healthy Babies Healthy Children is a free and voluntary home visiting program for pregnant people and families with young children who need more support. Its purpose is to ensure that all children receive a healthy start to life.

A public health nurse and family home visitor can help families:

Have a healthier pregnancy and birth
With breastfeeding and healthy nutrition
Achieve developmental milestones
Learn about self-care and caring for each other
Work towards their parenting goals
Connect with services in the community

Reasons to refer:

Prenatal health concerns
Developmental or growth concerns
Parenting support
Concerns about feeding/nutrition
Mental health concerns
Lack of supports

Make a referral:

Health Care Providers can make a referral using the following options:

Option 1: Complete the Family Health Referral form online
Option 2: Print and fax the Family Health Referral form to 905-688-5100

Patients can also self-refer by contacting Niagara Parents at 905-684-7555 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7555, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

REVIEW: National Infection Control Week

Coming October 16 - 20

National Infection Control Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the work done by health professionals in the field of infection prevention and control (IPAC) and remind everyone of the importance of IPAC in the community. At Public Health, we provide education and support in IPAC best practices to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases in health settings and the community.

Visit our website for a list of resources, guidance documents and learning opportunities for health professionals, including clinical office practices.

If you have questions related to IPAC, contact our Infectious Disease program at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7330.

Thank you for your commitment and dedication to preventing infections all year long, and helping to keep our communities safe!

FREE TRAINING: Breastfeeding "Making a Difference" Level 2

Niagara Region Public Health is hosting a 2-day virtual (LIVE) workshop series for community health care professionals and hospital staff practicing in Niagara who currently work with expectant or new parents and families.

When:

This series will take place over Zoom on November 7 and November 14, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Keynote Speaker:

Kathleen O’Grady is a registered nurse and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Please see: Breastfeeding: Making a Difference Level 2 Workshop - Niagara Region, Ontario, for her additional credentials.

Key Topics

Effective assessment and management skills by applying current research, using complex case studies and group problem solving to formulate care plans to deal with challenging situations
Effective breastfeeding promotion in a multi-cultural society
Infant-parent attachment
Ethics
Evaluating research, training materials and research

Requirements:

Have completed the Breastfeeding Level 1 training (or an equivalent) within the past 3 years
Must be a health care practitioner practicing in the Niagara region

Note: Participants must attend both session dates and may be eligible to receive IBLCE CERPS (Continuing Education Recognition Points).

The event is live for registration on the Professional Development Opportunities Page .

Registration Deadline: October 31, 2023

MEDICAL ADVISORIES AND MEMOS