Sunday, August 7, 2022
Central Health will continue to support 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, anyone requiring admission will be transferred to another facility based on the care need.
Emergency Services will continue to be in place at the Green Bay Health Centre at this time.
Upcoming Rural Temporary Closures of Emergency Services 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
Residents requiring emergency services during this time are advised to call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room at the Green Bay Health Centre (GBHC) in Springdale where they will be seen.
Dr Y.K. Jeon Kittiwake Health Centre – Monday, August 8, 2022 at 2:00 pm to Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 8:00 am
Residents requiring emergency services during this time are advised to call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room at James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre (JPMRHC) in Gander where they will be seen.
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
Central Health encourages the public to protect their health when experiencing wildfire smoke and extreme heat together. As the fire and smoky conditions continue, we encourage people to seek advice from a health care provider if they experience any concerning symptoms they feel could be related to the heat or smoke. Milder and more common symptoms of smoke exposure include:
headaches
a mild cough
a runny nose
production of phlegm
eye, nose and throat irritation
These symptoms can typically be managed without medical intervention.
More serious symptoms include:
dizziness
chest pains
severe cough
shortness of breath
wheezing (including asthma attacks)
heart palpitations (irregular heart beat)
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to a health care provider, call 811, or seek urgent medical attention. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 and seek immediate medical assistance.
Other recommendations for protecting your health are:
Keep windows and doors closed and stay cool – seal them properly with weather stripping if necessary
When in your vehicle windows closed and set the ventilation system to recirculate.
If possible, leave the area: If you are vulnerable to the health effects of wildfire smoke and smoke levels in your community are high. Evaluate whether or not it is possible to temporarily re-locate to an area with cleaner air.
It is important to take care of your mental health during a wildfire smoke event. It’s not unusual to feel anxious, stressed out, sad or isolated during a smoke event. Eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising indoors and staying in contact with friends can help. Anyone who is having trouble coping with symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression should seek help from a health professional.
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).
For more information on topics related to wildfire smoke and health, please visit Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health.
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.
Updates will be posted on Twitter and Facebook.
