October 21, 2014
Yesterday, I met with numerous Canadian healthcare professional organizations to discuss what measures the Government of Canada is taking to directly assist frontline healthcare workers in the event of a first confirmed case of Ebola in Canada.
I am especially pleased by the high level of engagement shown by the many organizations that participated. Among those in attendance were representatives from the:
- Canadian Medical Association,
- Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians,
- Canadian Critical Care Society,
- Canadian Federation of Nurses Union,
- Canadian Nurses Association,
- Canadian Pharmacists Association,
- Infection Prevention and Control Canada,
- HealthCareCAN,
- College of Family Physicians of Canada,
- Paramedics Association of Canada, and
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
It is imperative that all frontline healthcare workers be prepared in the event of a confirmed first case of Ebola in Canada. We had productive discussions about how best to ensure health professionals and frontline healthcare workers have the information, guidance, training and support they need to respond effectively should a case of Ebola be confirmed in Canada.
Canadians are extremely fortunate to have some of the best hospitals in the world that provide care for infectious diseases, and have strong infection control systems in place to protect against the spread of illness.
To help support these systems, the Public Health Agency of Canada has developed and distributed to public health authorities across the country a series of infection control guidance documents, including resources that specifically address Ebola.
We have strong guidance, but it can always be improved. This is why we met with healthcare professionals and front-line workers. We want their feedback and to hear their concerns, so we can further strengthen our guidance and support.
In addition to guidelines, training is critical to ensure that proper personal protective gear and safety protocols are in place. I will continue to work with the Chief Medical Officers in the provinces and territories to ensure all frontline healthcare workers feel prepared and properly trained to respond.
Health professionals and frontline healthcare workers have our full support and we thank them for their dedication and commitment to protecting Canadians. They are the first line of defence against infectious diseases and the Public Health Agency of Canada will continue to work with them to further strengthen our preparedness.
In the event of a confirmed case of Ebola in Canada, efforts to contain the spread of the disease will require collaboration across all levels of government and the health sector. We will continue to work with all partners across our health care system to ensure we are prepared.
Media Inquiries:
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 957-2983
