Ronald McDonald's South Central Ontario location shared how flu-season has disrupted their operations and encouraged community to take steps to protect their health
Hamilton hospitals are currently experiencing issues related to over capacity. In an interview with Global News, Hamilton Health Sciences shared that the McMaster Children's Hospital reached 112 per cent capacity on Oct. 19. Furthermore, they shared the rise in admissions had led to the cancellation of their pre-scheduled care.
A press release from Public Health Ontario, shared on Nov. 3, indicated they were expecting there to be an increase in COVID-19 between Oct. 29 to Nov. 11, 2023 based on data from the previous two weeks.
Moreover, Public Health Ontario's Respiratory Virus Tool indicated a gradual increase in cases since September 2023.
This recent spike in flu and COVID-19 cases directly impacts pediatric patients residing at Ronald McDonald House, which provide families a place to stay together while their children undergo treatment at local hospitals.
The South Central Ontario location, located right beside McMaster University's main campus and McMaster's Children's Hospital, provides accommodations primarily for those in the Niagara, Halton, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph and Branford regions.
Mario De Divitiis, chief executive officer at Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario, shared that often children that stay at their location are critically ill and unable to be serviced at their local hospitals. The house allows parents of patients, who are usually not local to Hamilton, to be able to more easily visit their children and get the proper treatment.
Divitiis has noticed the uptick in cases, but he also noted that it typically occurs for them every year around this time. However, rising flu and COVID-19 cases can restrict their ability to admit patients as per usual. As demand increases, accommodation becomes more difficult.
“Yes, we've become accustomed to [over capacity] over the last few years. Unfortunately, there's no great way to prepare for it. Outside of educating the community around how to practice healthy habits,” said Diviitiis
Yes, we've become accustomed to [over capacity] over the last few years. Unfortunately, there's no great way to prepare for it. Outside of educating the community around how to practice healthy habits.
Mario De Divitiis, chief executive officer, Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario
Divitiis also shared that their staff is has been impacted by the rise in flu cases, with members falling ill with COVID and other flu-like sicknesses, which also greatly impairs their organization's ability to serve the patients and their families.
“When it does get overloaded, when it does get compromised, you're risking staff getting sick, you're risking staff to do more with the resources that they have. It's not a good recipe,” said Divitiis.
Divitiis believed the best way to manage the influx of flu cases is to educate the community. That includes emphasis on not touching one’s own eyes, mouth, nose and ears, as these are the most common areas of transmission.
Additionally, he mentioned that it’s important to check in with one’s self and ask if you’re current state of health would jeopardize those around you. If you feel that the answer leans towards no, to make sure you are taking the extra steps to protect yourself and those around you.
Would you visit your grandmother or grandfather this way? If you're that sick, would you be comfortable to give them a hug?. . . If you're not feeling that way, then maybe it's best to take a couple of extra measures by staying home that day if you're not feeling well.
Mario De Divitiis, chief executive officer, Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario
Ultimately, as respiratory sicknesses, including COVID-19 and flu, increase in circulation in the McMaster community, everyone is encouraged to do their best to mitigate transmission.
Smiling Over Sickness' annual Pumpkin Hike and Halloween-themed carnival in support of Hamilton families brings community together
For over a decade, Smiling Over Sickness has been dedicated to bringing joy to the children of the Hamilton, with a specific emphasis on pediatric patients in the community, through different fundraising events and activities.
SOS’s annual Pumpkin Hike event took place on Oct. 27. The event started with a hike through Cootes Paradise with the McMaster Students Union Maroons and was followed by a Halloween-themed carnival at Cootes Paradise Elementary School.
SOS’s annual Pumpkin Hike event took place on Oct. 27. The event started with a hike through Cootes Paradise with the McMaster Students Union Maroons and was followed by a Halloween-themed carnival at Cootes Paradise Elementary School.
Erica Park and Maddie Dick, Smiles Squad Coordinators, explained how the carnival offered families and their children an opportunity to come together and to show off their costumes.
“We typically welcome all families in the Hamilton area, so we see a lot of younger children as well as older children. They come really nicely [dressed] in their own Halloween costumes with their family and friends. It's a great way for the families to sort of bond in an event run by our team,” said Park.
They come really nicely in their own Halloween costumes with their family and friends. It's a great way for the families to sort of bond in an event run by our team.
Erica Park, Smiles Squad Coordinator, Smiling Over Sickness
There were many different stations and activities at the carnival, including pin-the-tail games, obstacle courses, photo booths, ring tosses and a scavenger hunt.
Park and Dick shared that changes made to their carnival from year to year are based on visitor feedback and suggestions.
“Starting sometime in August or September, everything comes together once we get our team of volunteers solidified. So this year, it's 15 people [that are] really passionate about the event. We have started planning in these last two weeks, with really setting up all the activities, gathering our supplies and finalizing all of the details,” said Dick.
Dick shared how thankful both her and Park are the subcommittee who ensured this event could happen; the carnival's success wouldn't have been possible without them.
This year is the second that the Halloween carnival has been run since the start of the pandemic. Park and Dick shared that the ability to host this event in-person again means a lot to them, as they are able to interact more directly with community members.
“We believe that there aren't too many events here in Hamilton that provides a chance for families to sort of get together and have this very wholesome experience. I think just seeing all the kids are laughing and having lots of fun, being able to show up in their costumes and dance around in the field was a very positive experience, not only for the families, but for everyone who is [involved in] planning,” said Park.
I think just seeing all the kids are laughing and having lots of fun, being able to show up in their costumes and dance around in the field was a very positive experience, not only for the families, but for everyone who is [involved in] planning.
Erica Park, Smiles Squad Coordinator, Smiling Over Sickness
The Halloween-themed carnival brought much joy to families around Hamilton this year. SOS hopes that they can continue to plan this event in the future and encourage McMaster University students to support their efforts, if they can.
For more information on SOS and future events, visit their their website and Instagram.
