Update from Connie Dejak, Runnymede President & CEO: Patient and staff member test positive for COVID-19

April 17, 2020

Patient and staff safety is Runnymede Healthcare Centre’s top priority, and we are taking every possible measure to fight against the spread of COVID-19. Our hospital has implemented safety precautions that exceed the recommendations from Public Health Ontario and the Ministry of Health. These enhanced measures ensure that we will continue to protect the health and safety of all our patients and staff.

As per Runnymede’s strict protocol for infection control during this pandemic, all newly admitted patients are placed in isolation upon arrival at the hospital and tested for COVID-19. All staff who interact with new patients are equipped with the correct personal protective equipment (PPE).

Recently, a Rehabilitation patient admitted to Runnymede without any symptoms tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, one staff member at Runnymede tested positive for COVID-19. Toronto Public Health has determined that these two cases are not related and from a different source. Due to our infection control protocols, Runnymede is not on outbreak. All staff in contact with the patient and staff member were sent home to self-isolate and tested for COVID-19. They tested negative for COVID-19 and have been cleared to return to work. The patient who tested positive for COVID-19 has since been admitted to acute care and is no longer a Runnymede patient.

We continue to monitor this situation very closely and are committed to keeping you updated as new information comes to light. We remain steadfast in maintaining patient safety and ensuring every one of our patients continues their recovery uninterrupted and gets the highest-quality care.

If you have any questions, I encourage you to reach out to the patient care manager on your floor, who will be able to provide you with any information you need.

Thank you very much for your understanding and ongoing support.