August 6, 2022
As a precautionary measure to protect those who are most vulnerable following the State of Emergency issued for Grand Falls-Windsor and Bishop’s Falls by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Central Health will be supporting efforts to move those who require additional care at Grand Falls-Windsor facilities so that they are not in the immediate vicinity of the smoke as a result of ongoing forest fires in Central Newfoundland.
It is important to know that there is no immediate fire hazard to homes or residents.
Patients and Residents will be moved to a healthcare facility within either the Eastern Health or Western Health region. Should a patient require transport, Central Health will reach out to their listed “Person to Notify” contact that the transfer is taking place and where they are being relocated to.
Please note that Emergency Services remain open at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre (CNRHC) in Grand Falls-Windsor at this time, however, there will be a shift of emergency services for rural sites being supported by the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre during Temporary Closures. Those requiring emergency services at rural sites supported by CNRHC are now asked to present to Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook. Upcoming Rural Temporary Closures include:
Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre – Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 4:00 pm to Monday, August 8 at 8:00 am, and Monday, August 8, 2022 at 2:00 pm to Tuesday, August 9 at 8:00 am
The Temporary Closure for the Green Bay Health Centre on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 8:00 am to 8:00 pm has been cancelled. Emergency Services will be in place at the Green Bay Health Centre at this time.
Central Health apologizes for this interruption of service and thanks the public for their understanding and patience as we continue to focus on providing safe and quality care for the residents of the central region. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Central Health’s Client Navigator for assistance at 1-844-651-6214 or clientnavigation@centralhealth.nl.ca.
Residents are asked to remain vigilant and follow any directions provided by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture at https://twitter.com/FFA_GovNL
Road closures updates will be provided by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure at https://twitter.com/ti_govnl
Air advisory
As of Friday, August 6, 2022, the Government of Canada has listed Grand Falls-Windsor’s Air Quality Health Index as Low Risk.
For more detailed guidance on health measures to take for those who are higher risk and also the general population, please click on “Show Health Message,” which can be found in the Air Quality Health Index link above.
Central Health encourages the public to protect their health when experiencing wildfire smoke and extreme heat together. As the fire and smoky conditions continue, residents are encouraged to contact 811or to see a health care provider if they experience any new or concerning symptoms that they feel could be related to the heat or smoke. In particular, we advise this for people with underlying health conditions such as heart or lung problems, as well as small children, seniors, and people who have been exerting themselves outside for work or sports.
Other recommendations for protecting your health are:
Keep windows and doors closed and stay cool – seal them properly with weather stripping if necessary.
Find clean cool air.
Limit outdoor and strenuous activity – pay attention to air quality and weather forecasts and reschedule outdoor activities for a time when conditions are better.
Stay hydrated – drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration.
Care for others – watch out for those who are vulnerable to wildfire smoke and heat (i.e. seniors, pregnant people, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people with an existing illness or chronic health conditions).
Some people including pregnant people, young children, seniors, people with underlying medical conditions, and people who physically exert themselves outside for work or sports, are at higher risk and need to be more careful.
For more information on Wildfire Smoke and to learn the symptoms of combined wildfire and heat exposure visit:
Updates will be posted on Twitter and Facebook.
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