No images? Click here In This Issue - September 2020
Physicians' CornerWelcome back to Niagara Region Public Health's second broadcast for physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other Health Care Providers! In this broadcast, Dr. Andrea Feller, Associate Medical Officer of Health speaks about adults vs. children's role in spreading viruses - specifically COVID-19, the important role active screening and keeping 2 meters apart will play in limiting the spread in schools , health care professionals' current role in providing clinical assessment of symptomatic patients, and what happens when there is a case in a school. Her final comments are about school immunization and catch up as well as influenza vaccinations for this fall. We are aware that resources in Ontario are changing rapidly, and will update you on any changes as we receive them. Don't forget you can review our FAQs for health care professionals or call our COVID-19 Health Care Professionals information line (905-688-8248, press 7 then press 1) if you have any questions. Have your say - tell us what you would like to hear discussed in next month's broadcast. We'd love to hear from you! Note: Having trouble viewing the video? Right click on the top of the email and select "download pictures" or view the email in your web browser. UPDATE: It's Time to Get Checked! Cancer Screening ResumptionOntario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) recommended that providers gradually resume breast and cervical cancer screening in early July 2020. This recommendation was recently updated to also allow for targeted resumption of colon cancer screening. It is likely that you are now faced with a backlog of patients in your practice who are overdue for screening. A provincial guidance document is available to identify patient populations who should be prioritized for screening at this time. The Regional Cancer Program has also posted resources on their primary care provider blog to assist you in restarting cancer screening, including a general guide on accessing and navigating the Screening Activity Report (SAR) and a specific guide to identify priority patients in your practice during the pandemic. Please do not hesitate to connect with the HNHB Regional Primary Care Lead, Dr. Meghan Davis if you have questions about the resumption of cancer screening services. REVIEW: Breastfeeding & COVID-19Given the many health benefits of breastfeeding and that the COVID-19 virus has not been found in breastmilk, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization recommend that mothers with suspected or proven COVID-19 continue to breastfeed. Symptomatic women or those tested positive for COVID-19 who choose to breastfeed should wear a face covering and wash their hands prior to placing their infant on the breast. If a mother is too sick to breastfeed, she should be supported if she wants to express breastmilk. For more information, review the Canadian Paediatric Society’s practice point on breastfeeding when mothers have suspected or proven COVID-19. FREE Breastfeeding Consults Niagara Region Public Health offers one-on-one phone and video consults to support breastfeeding families. If your patient has breastfeeding questions or concerns, please fax a referral using our Child and Family Health Supports Referral Form. REVIEW: Mental Health Telemedicine ServiceNiagara Region Mental Health's Telemedicine service provides consultation appointments with a psychiatrist through secure video conferencing.
The Telemedicine team consists of Registered Nurses and a Nurse Practitioner who complete a comprehensive nursing assessment prior to their consult with a psychiatrist. The team will refer the client to appropriate community services and a summary of recommendations are sent to the referring physician. This shared-care model provides you with specialist recommendations on what to prescribe as well as diagnostic clarification. Niagara Region Mental Health is committed to helping those with serious and persistent mental health concerns and continues to provide service and intake during COVID-19. If you have patients who may benefit from the Telemedicine service, please call the intake line at 905-688-2854, ext. 7262, or complete an online referral. REVIEW: Vaccine Storage, Handling & ReturnsProviding immunization is an essential service. Monitoring vaccine fridge temperatures ensures the vaccines you are administering are stable to use.
For more information visit our Excursions and Returns web page. FREE TRAINING: Breastfeeding- Making a Difference (Level 1)Join Niagara Region Public Health for a 3-day online workshop series for healthcare professionals working in Niagara. Keynote speaker: Kathy O’Grady Venter, RN, IBCLC, Lactation Consultant, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, BFI Assessor for the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada, and Educator for Quintessence Foundation Dates: November 5, 12 and 19* This training is for primary care and hospital staff practicing in the Niagara Region, who currently work with expectant and new parents as well as their families. Participants may be eligible for IBLCE Continuing Education Recognition Points. *Participants must attend all three session dates. Register online by October 16, 2020. MEDICAL ADVISORIES & MEMOS September 2020 Receive medical advisories and memos electronically from Niagara Region Public Health - subscribe here. |