Work begins on temporary hospital space in Mississauga to treat COVID patients; 17 new cases of the virus confirmed Wednesday

Peel Public Health confirmed a further 17 cases of COVID-19 in Mississauga on Wednesday, bringing the city’s total to 378. Today’s figure represents an increase of roughly 5 percent over Tuesday, when 45 new cases were announced and the total was 361. 

The Region of Peel as a whole saw an increase of 47 cases to bring its total to 684. Brampton saw a larger spike than Mississauga, with 29 new cases confirmed Wednesday, bringing its total to 270. Caledon has 33 and three are pending further information. 

Peel did not confirm any additional deaths, leaving the total at nine.

Across Ontario 550 new cases were confirmed with 21 additional deaths. Data accurate to 4pm on Tuesday shows the province has a total of 5,276 positive cases of the novel coronavirus with 174 deaths. 605 people are in hospital as a result of COVID-19, 246 in ICU and 195 using a ventilator.

550 is the largest single-day spike so far in Ontario.

Trillium Health Partners (THP), which runs Credit Valley, Queensway and Mississauga Hospital, have returned 405 positive tests for the novel coronavirus so far, with 50 patients under its care. The hospital network does not currently provide a breakdown of where these COVID-19 patients are being treated or what condition they are in. 

In order to continue to serve the residents of Mississauga, THP has begun work on a new, temporary hospital space. 

At Mississauga Hospital, a modular unit is being constructed to house as many as 80 patients. It’s set to be completed by the end of the month. The new space is part of a plan THP says will accommodate over 1,000 care spaces “in the event they are required” as a result of COVID-19. 

Work has begun on a temporary hospital space at Mississauga Hospital to accommodate a potential surge of new patients. 

The design-built structure is provided by the same Alberta-based company that supplied parts to Burlington for the construction of a 90-plus bed facility earlier in the pandemic. 

The Mississauga Hospital structure is the first of three such buildings THP is able to activate. If constructed, the three units will accommodate 270 additional care spaces, with a final decision on the next two temporary spaces to be made in the coming weeks. 

The construction of the structure comes just days after THP successfully added 36 Mississauga critical care beds and a week after it freed up additional space at its Queensway facility. In total, THP says it has created 650 new care spaces to meet patient demand. 

“To protect our community and our people, we have been rapidly ramping up our COVID-19 Pandemic Response Plan and taking every action possible to ensure we have the resources available if and when we see a surge in demand for patient care,” said Michelle DiEmanuele, President and CEO of THP. “The Premier of Ontario said that all of the interventions that have been put in place have had an impact. Again, we are urging everyone to please stay home and practice good social distancing – actions that will be ever more important to reduce the numbers of patients needing hospital care.”

As hospitals around Ontario add more capacity, the province has moved to increase the supply of staff to turn new spaces into functioning hospital beds. On Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Christine Elliott announced an online portal to accommodate those with healthcare experience and skills who are not currently employed or recognized by the current system. 

The Health Workforce Matching Portal will allow health care workers with varying experience to join the fight against COVID-19. Retired, non-active, internationally educated, student and volunteer health workers are among those who can join the medical frontlines. The move is possible as a result of an emergency order issued on April 1. 

"Our health care heroes on the frontlines of this battle are doing extraordinary work, but they need reinforcements to step up and lend a hand to help defeat this virus," Ford said. "Whether you're retired or in training, we can't afford to have people with professional health care skills who want to help sitting on the sidelines during this crisis. This is a call to action and I encourage every available person with healthcare experience to get involved."

Employers and interested health care professionals can visit the portal here and create a profile. 

"Since the beginning of this outbreak, we have heard from thousands of volunteers who want to help in any way they can," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "We are very grateful for those stepping up during these unprecedented times. That's why we are using everything possible to support these frontline healthcare workers as they fight the spread of this virus."

At city level, efforts to inform residents continue with a tele-town hall on Wednesday night. It is an opportunity for senior figures in the city and region to respond to concerns from residents and also a chance to outline best practice and ever-changing rules. 

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie has been active on social media posting video updates at least once per day. Crombie has previously talked about confusion among some residents about what is permitted and what is not under COVID-19 emergency regulations. The online town hall is another opportunity for city staff and councillors to keep residents on the same page and limit the number of fines handed out by bylaw officers and the Peel Regional Police for non-compliance. 

“Residents will be able to ask COVID-19 related questions to a group of panelists from the City, Peel Region Public Health, Trillium Health Partners and Peel Regional Police and Paramedic Services,” Ward 8 Councill Matt Mahoney said in his regular e-newsletter. “City Councillors and senior staff will also be available to answer questions.”

More information on the tele-town hall, which begins tonight at 7 p.m., can be found here.  

Email: [email protected] 

Twitter: @isaaccallan

Tel: 647-561-4879

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