Update: VIHA Response to Migrant Ship Humanitarian Emergency

4:30 pm    

• While timing of the ship’s arrival is undetermined, VIHA is currently preparing to meet any potential emergency health care needs associated with the migrant ship.

• At this time, the health status and needs of the population on board is not known.

• Following initial medical assessments, individuals deemed to require hospital acute care will be transferred to Victoria General Hospital (VGH). 

• The old emergency department at VGH – which has been vacant since the new emergency opened in September 2009 – has been prepared to provide screening, triage, assessment, diagnostics (using portable X-ray machines) and decontamination.

• Individuals who can be treated and discharged will be released back to authorities.

• Individuals who require hospital admission will be admitted to VGH’s 7N unit, which has been vacant since June 30. No non-migrant patients will be cared for in this unit, and no migrant will be cared for elsewhere in the hospital unless there are exceptional circumstances (e.g. ICU, obstetrics).

• VIHA will ensure sufficient staffing is in place to meet the needs of patients. In patient staffing is planned for five days, but could be extended if needed.

• There will be a security escort/guard of all migrants at VGH. VIHA Protection Services staff will support this security and guard entrances/exits within and external to the hospital. 

• VIHA is working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) with respect to processes, procedures and infection control.

• Stringent infection control measures are in place, including protective equipment, separation and isolation and negative pressure rooms. There will be no mixing of the general population, visitors or ‘regular’ patients with the migrants, and the general population is not at risk.

• Victoria General Hospital will continue to provide its usual health care services to residents of Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island. No significant impact on our regular health care services is anticipated.

• As is always the case when dealing with potential infectious diseases, staff will be provided with personal protective equipment (e.g. gowns, gloves, masks) and N95 respirators.

• Additional physician specialists (Infectious Disease and Obstetrics) are on standby in the event specialist medical services are required.

• The same provisions around patient confidentiality apply to these migrants as they would to any other patient at a VIHA facility.

• As is the case in any emergency or disaster response, there is a process for the federal government to reimburse provincial expenses.

• We want to express our thanks to the commitment of our physicians and staff who have responded with professionalism and compassion to this humanitarian emergency.

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