***Important*** We are asking all patients and visitors coming to HSN to please wear a mask as an added step to reduce the spread of germs and protect vulnerable patients. Handmade masks are acceptable as are those available at retailers in our community.  If you arrive at the hospital as a patient or care partner and do not have a mask, one will be provided to you and you will be expected to wear it during your time at HSN to keep yourself, other patients and care partners and our staff, physicians, learners and volunteers safe. Patients going for a procedure where they must remove their mask will be asked to store it with their personal items.

As we gradually resume some services, we are making every effort possible to ease restrictions on visitors, while following guidance from the Ministry of Health. Since mid-March, only Essential Visitors have been allowed at HSN. These restrictions have been difficult on patients, their families, as well as our staff, but have been necessary to ensure everyone’s safety during the first wave of COVID-19. More information on visitor information can be found here.

HSN has received approval to resume non-urgent and elective surgeries and procedures as of June 1st. To be clear, not all procedures will begin on June 1st. It will take time to reschedule services. For more information, please click the Resumption of Clinical Services button below.

If you plan to visit the hospital, please read the following information prior to your arrival.

HSN reminds members of the community that if they feel overwhelmed, Crisis Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 705-675-4760, or by visiting HSN’s Mental Health and Addictions Centre at 127 Cedar Street from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., 7 days a week. Read more.

A number of HSN outpatient programs and services are cancelled for patients who are currently well, and are coming to HSN for routine check-ups or other non-urgent reasons. These appointments will be rebooked for a later date. HSN will be calling all patients who have appointments to advise them of any changes to their visit. Anyone who has not received a call, can assume their appointment will go ahead as scheduled.

Patients who are scheduled for an appointment at HSN, but have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath are asked not to come to the hospital for their appointment and instead call their clinic to reschedule or make alternative arrangements.

All Health Sciences North Mental Health and Addiction services remain open to the public and new referrals are being accepted. Many programs are meeting with patients through virtual or telephone appointments to maintain social distancing an alternative to in-person service. All psychiatrists and clinicians have adjusted their practices to ensure patients continue to receive treatment in this new COVID-19 reality. 

Where virtual or telephone appointments are not possible, for inpatient care, withdrawal management services, and  crisis services, patients will continue to be seen in person. Patients who visit our mental health and addictions services will be asked questions about their health as part of screening for COVID-19. 

Locations and Access to HSN Community Mental Health and Addictions Programs

Please be assured that if you need mental health and/or addictions services, HSN provides crisis services in the Sudbury, Manitoulin and East Algoma Districts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

For phone numbers please click here.

For additional information and a complete listing of mental health and addiction services available in your area, please go to https://www.connexontario.ca  or call 1-866-531-2600.

Will my appointments at HSN be cancelled?
At this time, all of our emergency, acute and urgent care services continue.

Unless you have been contacted by the hospital, assume your appointment will proceed as expected.

What if I have an upcoming surgery?

Priority surgeries will continue as planned for now. Surgeries that are needed to save a life will go ahead, but other surgeries may be cancelled. Impacted patients will be contacted directly by the hospital.

What can I expect when I come to the hospital?

HSN will be screening all patients and visitors as they come into the hospital sites. There may be line-ups. Please come earlier than you normally would to be sure you have time for screening questions and to make your appointment on time. 

If there are line ups please ensure you remain at least 2 metres away from the people around you.  

When you come to the hospital, staff will ask you why you are at the hospital and if you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19.  

What should I do if I think I might have COVID-19?

If you or a family member thinks you have symptoms of COVID-19, do not come to the Emergency Room or the main entrance of the hospital.

Call HSN’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre at (705) 671-7373 between 9 am and 5 pm, 7 days per week, to be screened by phone or fill out an online request for a testing appointment here.

If you need immediate medical attention, please call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.

Where can I go to get more information on COVID-19? I want to protect myself and my loved ones from getting COVID-19?

Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 for the most up-to-date health information, including how to prevent spread, how to monitor your health, and what to do if you think you are sick.

For additional information, call Public Health at 705-522-9200 and press 1 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200). 

We encourage all our patients and community members to visit the PHSD site regularly for the most up to date information on COVID-19 in our area.

Who can use the screening tool?

The screening tool is for patients coming to the hospital and their designated care partners. One form must be filled out for each person coming to the hospital.

 When should I use the self-screening tool?

Anytime you come to the hospital.  You can use the tool up to 4 hours prior to your arrival. If your QR code expires, one of screeners will be happy to assist you with screening again.

I’m not sure how to use the tool, or don’t have the technology to access the tool. Can someone do it for me? 
Yes. Your designated care partner, a family member, or a friend may may assist you in filling out the form. If you do not have anyone to help you, please come the hospital and one of our screeners will be happy to assist you.

 Why do you need my contact information in the form?

The data collected in the form will be used for contact tracing purposes. 

 How can I access my QR code?

Your QR code will be emailed to you. You may print it or display it on your mobile device when you arrive at the hospital. If you do not have access to email on your mobile device, you can take a photo of the QR code on your computer screen