Headwaters Shares Infection Control Guidelines
with Board of Directors

Orangeville, ON, May 19, 2009 – At the April meeting, the Headwaters Health Care Centre Board of Directors discussed the Hospital’s pandemic plan and infection prevention and control practices addressing the H1N1 Influenza A, pandemic issued by the World Health Organization. “In speaking with public health officials we have been advised that the cases in Ontario are mild. We are encouraging patients, visitors and staff to practice proper hand hygiene and anyone planning to visit Mexico to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date,” said Cholly Boland, President and CEO, Headwaters Health Care Centre.

Headwaters is now publicly reporting on six infection control indicators, including hand hygiene audit results, on the Hospital website at www.headwatershealth.ca.

The Board reported that there are three vacancies on the Board of Directors. Several applications have been received and the new members will be voted on at the Annual General Meeting in June.

The Chief of Staff reported to the Board that the Hospital has signed a memorandum of understanding with William Osler Health Centre regarding transfer protocols for obstetric patients to improve access to speciality care for local patients.

The hospital announced it has completed its onsite Accreditation review. Two surveyors from Accreditation Canada visited Headwaters Shelburne and Headwaters Orangeville in April to review the Hospital’s quality and safety indicators. The Hospital met 90% or 1242 out of 1394 standards and criteria. The Hospital will have six months to implement practices or changes to meet the outstanding 120 standards. “I am pleased with the results and would like to thank everyone for their contribution to Accreditation and especially for their work every day for our patients and community,” added Boland.

The next Board of Directors meeting is May 26, 2009 at 7:15 pm at Headwaters Shelburne.

The public is invited to provide comments and suggestions about hospital services. Please contact Cholly Boland, President and CEO, Headwaters Health Care Centre at 519-941-2702 ext. 2200.

About Headwaters Health Care Centre
Headwaters Health Care Centre serves more than 110,000 residents in Caledon, Orangeville, Shelburne and Dufferin County. The hospital operates two sites – Headwaters Orangeville, a 108 bed acute care hospital and Headwaters Shelburne, a 33 bed chronic care hospital. Visit www.headwatershealth.ca.