Toronto (June 4, 2003) - The Emergency Department at Toronto General Hospital (TGH), University Health Network opened as of 8:00 a.m. today to all patients.

In addition, yesterday the Provincial Operating Committee adjusted the hospital status to a Category 1 from a Category 2. Toronto General Hospital is remaining vigilant and continuing its precautions of written SARS evaluation forms and the taking of temperature of all staff, patients who come to the hospital, and visitors. In addition, patients and visitors who come into the hospital are required to wear masks.

The decision was made to close Emergency on Tuesday May 27, 2003. About 30 staff from Emergency were sent home on quarantine because they had cared for a patient who was later diagnosed with SARS, and did so without some pieces of protective equipment. The home quarantine of so many staff meant that there was insufficient staff available to safely care for the normal volume of patients. The TGH Emergency sees about 80 patients a day.

Staff returning to work today have all passed the 10-day incubation period for SARS.

About Toronto General Hospital

Toronto General Hospital is a partner in University Health Network, along with Toronto Western and Princess Margaret Hospitals. The scope of research and complexity of cases at Toronto General Hospital has made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. It has one of the largest hospital-based research programs in Canada, with major research projects in cardiology, transplantation, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, and genomic medicine. Toronto General Hospital is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.

Media Contact

Phone: 416 340 4636
Email: UHN.News@uhn.ca

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