Honouring staff and patients of the Horizon Program
Honouring Staff and Patients of the Horizon Program
Staff working in Waypoint’s Horizon Program are on the heels of a COVID-19 outbreak that was declared over on March 3, 2021 – an experience that challenged them like no other time in recent memory. Despite the additional infection control practices and responsibilities of working through an outbreak, our team of expert staff continued to provide compassionate care for our patients, and support families as well as each other, during this difficult time.
In the midst of the outbreak, all the Horizon patients received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, this along with many staff who are also vaccinated is bringing much hope for the future.
Throughout the outbreak and afterward, while staff work to reduce the spread of the virus, the hospital and the community are rallying to help uplift their spirits, and the spirits of patients on the unit, who are reeling from devastating loss.
Signs have been placed around the campus to encourage those on the frontlines. People from all over the area have sent messages of hope to our general email address and voicemail.
The Honeywell team at Waypoint donated funds to support Horizon and donations of food and treats poured into the unit to be safely delivered to the staff.
Beyond the hospital, a region-wide social media campaign, led by our North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatrics Services Program, called #ShowtheLove asked people to send messages on various social platforms. The response was astounding, with dozens showing they stand behind those who were working to end the virus.
Losing patients to an outbreak weighs heavy on the hearts and minds of all of us at Waypoint, and we will honour those no longer with us. The hospital has held a minute of silence and a memorial for the Horizon patients who passed away during the outbreak at two separate virtual events. Plans are also underway for a permanent memorial outdoors at the hospital in honour of those lives lost.