The Montreal Heart Institute has been able to operate at a normal pace and keep COVID-19 at bay—and its specialists think other hospitals could learn a thing or two from their experience.
CBC put a spotlight on the institute in a recent report, noting that just 2% of its first 300 patients during the pandemic tested positive for the virus. And of those patients, half contracted COVID-19 after being transferred to another hospital altogether.
According to the CBC report, the Montreal Heart Institute was designated a COVID-free facility early on, meaning it would not be treating patients who had the virus. This allowed patients to keep receiving the surgeries they need without the delays seen in so many other parts of the world—as long as hospital employees could successfully keep COVID-19 from spreading.
The hospital quickly put numerous safety protocols into place, triaging patients outside in a tent before letting them inside. If a patient was suspected of having the virus, they would either be sent back to their primary care physician or treated in a special “hot zone” away from other patients.
The “COVID-free” designation helped the Montreal Heart Institute treat more patients than other facilities during the pandemic because specialists weren’t required to wear as much protective equipment. Simulation exercises even occurred at random times to help keep all employees on their toes and paying close attention.
Specialists from the hospital are now working to publish a case study focused on their experience.
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Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.