“With deep sadness, CAMH confirms the death of a patient with COVID-19. We offer our sincere condolences to the family. A tightly-knit community, CAMH shares in their loss.
At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, CAMH implemented extensive and detailed respiratory infection prevention and control procedures. Measures that have been put in place include: vigilant monitoring of patients and staff for symptoms, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes. CAMH has also facilitated enhanced testing of staff and patients and we continue to expand our testing. With guidance from Toronto Public Health, CAMH works every day to ensure the health and safety of our staff, the community, and those within our care.
On April 12, 2020, a 74 year-old patient was confirmed positive for COVID-19. They were tested at the onset of symptoms. The patient was receiving mental health care on a geriatric unit that was on full precautions for an outbreak. The patient had multiple underlying health conditions. At the request of the family, the patient remained at CAMH for palliative care, which is provided at the hospital.
CAMH is committed to transparency and communication with the community that we serve. This update comes as part of our daily communication on the status of people at CAMH who have tested positive for COVID-19 and the work underway to ensure staff and patient safety. A suspect outbreak on this geriatric unit was communicated by CAMH on April 5, 2020 and a confirmed outbreak on that unit was communicated by CAMH on April 12, 2020.
COVID-19 represents a significant challenge to all of our health care organizations. CAMH is immensely grateful to staff and physicians who work to deliver mental health care, and to the community supporting us to deliver our important work.”
- Dr. Catherine Zahn, President and CEO of CAMH