Northwood sends thanks to a large, caring community

On behalf of the volunteer members of the Northwood board of governors, I want to express our thanks for the messages of support we’ve received from so many in recent days. As we continue to battle this virus, we are grieving with the families who have lost loved ones as a result of COVID-19. We share in their pain, and we’re deeply saddened by their loss. This has been an exceptionally challenging time for everyone at Northwood and your kind words have helped to sustain us.

I also want to reassure our community about the momentous efforts underway to battle COVID19 and express our deep gratitude and continued support to everyone who works at Northwood, as well as a number of experts from across the province, as we all focus on providing the specialized care needed at this time. We have a topnotch care team with experienced medical, nursing and allied healthcare professionals working to provide support for our residents’ ongoing complex care, as well as staff dedicated to those ill with COVID and those in our recovery unit.

As a health-care provider myself, I know it is never easy to lose someone you have cared for, and I know that the closeness Northwood staff have developed with the residents and their families over the time they have resided at Northwood adds to this sense of loss.

I want to assure our community that, as a board, we remain committed to caring for those who need us most at this time. With a focus on safety for our staff and those in our care, we apply stringent hygiene practices, personal protective equipment use and regular testing for COVID-19 — all a part of our high standard of care. We are inspired by the support of the entire community beyond our walls, and we are greatly appreciative of the recognition the community has given our “health-care heroes.” It has provided them with hope and spurred them on during this challenging time. The hard work and dedication of staff has always been focused on the care of our residents, and we are so appreciative of their significant efforts to do everything they can to fight the COVID-19 virus.

The board and the entire team at Northwood will leave no stone unturned to ensure our Northwood family has the care and support they need at this time. Over the longer term, we are steadfastly committed to learning from this, so that Northwood can be strengthened to serve all those who rely on us. Our team of doctors, nurses, personal-care workers and administrators is currently devoting time and attention to helping our partners in the health-care sector be prepared to respond to similar viral situations.

We are also collaborating with researchers at Dalhousie University and the Nova Scotia Health Authority on a study of why some people are less likely to develop COVID-19 and why some people who do develop COVID-19 fare better than others. This is part of a larger national study being done by The Serious Outcome Surveillance Network, which works with the Public Health Agency of Canada to monitor cases of influenza (and now COVID-19) in adults admitted to Canadian hospitals each year. This year, as so many of the cases happened in nursing homes across Canada, the study is being extended here.

We’ve been often asked in recent weeks, “How can we help?” In addition to the support we are receiving from our partners at the province of Nova Scotia, other health-care organizations, our universities, corporations, and the many public health officials led by Dr. Strang — we are humbled and deeply appreciative of the great support coming to Northwood from the broader community, and from across the country.

In response to this interest, the Northwood Foundation began implementing “Foundation Fridays” — a small gesture as a way to express a big thank you. Every Friday, special treats are distributed to staff in all of our locations. Anyone interested in participating can do so by visiting https://northwoodfoundation.ca/waystogive/foundation-friday/

Northwood is providing daily updates on our website: https://nwood.ns.ca/information-updates/

Thank you for your ongoing concern and support. It is so very appreciated at this time.

We are inspired by the support of the entire community beyond our walls, and we are greatly appreciative of the recognition the community has given our ‘health-care heroes.’