Winnipeg Free Press

Winnipeg Free Press (Newspaper) - April 18, 2020, Winnipeg, Manitoba C M Y K PAGE A2 A 2 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 ? WINNIPEGFREEPRESS.COM In uncertain times, one thing is certain - our commitment to Canadians. Sunwing is proud to partner with Second Harvest to donate over 46,000 meals to 17 communities across Canada. We know Canadians are worried about their health and safety, but they shouldn't have to worry about putting food on the table. Working with an incredible organization like Second Harvest gives Sunwing the opportunity to keep Canadians fed even as our operations are temporarily suspended. As a family-run business, we know what it means to look out for one another during moments of need. Stephen Hunter CEO of Sunwing Travel Group The Free Press receives support from the Local Journalism Initiative funded by the Government of Canada VOL 149 NO 158 Winnipeg Free Press est 1872 / Winnipeg Tribune est 1890 2020 Winnipeg Free Press, a division of FP Canadian Newspapers Limited Partnership. Published seven days a week at 1355 Mountain Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2X 3B6, PH: 204-697-7000 Publisher / BOB COX Editor / PAUL SAMYN Associate Editor Enterprise / SCOTT GIBBONS Associate Editor Operations and Engagement / STACEY THIDRICKSON Associate Editor Digital News / WENDY SAWATZKY Director Photo and Multimedia / MIKE APORIUS NEWSMEDIA COUNCIL The Winnipeg Free Press is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an in- dependent organization established to determine acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please send them to: editorialconcerns@freepress.mb.ca. 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GENERAL INQUIRIES 204-697-7000 A LACK of personal protective equipment and restrictions on the use of virtual consultations have prompted Doctors Manitoba to take un- precedented action to protect its 3,000 members. Dr. Fourie Smith, president of the association's board of directors, con- firmed this week the College of Physi- cians & Surgeons of Manitoba agreed in early April to amend its protocol on duty of care to allow a doctor to re- fuse to treat a patient if the required protective equipment was not avail- able. The request to the college was made after provincial agency Shared Health issued new guidelines during the novel coronavirus pandemic, requiring PPE (masks, gloves and gowns) for all "di- rect patient, client and resident interac- tions." A subsequent Doctors Manitoba sur- vey of more than 500 community-based physicians revealed only one-third had received such equipment from the province's central supply; less than one- fifth said they had enough PPE to safely meet with patients. "For community-based physicians, it's important that you only conduct as- sessments of patients if you are able to take the precautions that are appropri- ate for that particular patient encoun- ter," says a college bulletin dated April 6. "If you are unable to protect yourself in accordance with the latest Shared Health requirements, shift as much of your work to virtual as pos- sible, redirect patients appropriately, and assist your patients in obtaining access to care that you cannot pro- vide." College registrar Dr. Anna Ziomek said in an email statement the "un- precedented" threat posed by CO- VID-19 prompted her to issue the bulletin so physicians can remain healthy to continue to provide medi- cal care. "We continue to endorse that all our members owe a duty of care to patients, but if a situation of scarce resources arises, some difficult decisions may be required," Ziomek said. However, the new language related to duty of care does not mean physi- cians are withdrawing services, Smith said. "Doctors are doing their best to care for patients right now. But if we don't have the appropriate equipment and contract the virus, we could be putting other patients at risk, and denying fu- ture patients care if physicians are self- isolating." After weeks of deflecting questions about a potential shortage of masks, gloves and gowns, Lanette Siragusa, chief nursing officer for Shared Heath, confirmed Friday that Manitoba - like most of the world - is suffering from a "disruption" in the production, supply and distribution of PPE. Donations from private businesses and individuals have helped, she said, but there are still concerns about the supply if the COVID-19 threat contin- ues to linger. A spokeswoman for Shared Health said PPE must be provided first to staff in "hospitals and (those) offering emergency response where screen- ing may not be possible." The next priority would be in facilities with populations more vulnerable to chronic illnesses, such as long-term and residential care. Health officials are working on al- ternative protocols for doctors offices and clinics where "staff are able to pre- pare in advance and have access to a more fulsome medical history." These alternatives could include increased focus on hand hygiene, reuse and disin- fection of eye protection, and reusable cloth gowns. Complicating the problem of a PPE shortage is the fact the province has resisted requests by Doctors Manitoba to expand the of use of virtual consulta- tions. In mid-March, Manitoba became one of the first provinces to allow physi- cians to charge fees for some consulta- tions via telephone or video conference. From March 14 to 23, doctors charged for more than 15,000 virtual examina- tions or consultations - a clear sign it is a popular option. However, Smith said the types of consultations allowed under the Mani- toba initiative are too limited, and pre- vent physicians from conducting more complex exams with patients who have multiple or chronic health problems. Currently, fees are only being paid for "minor" health issues or follow-up ap- pointments. Most provinces, some of which were much later in introducing virtual care, have expanded the range of services and consultations available to be deliv- ered through telephone and video link, he added. "The current virtual care tariff is woefully inadequate," Smith said. "Those patients with more complex health issues or who have multiple con- ditions are not well-served." dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca Doctors can refuse to treat patients if PPE unavailable JON SUPER / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES The shortage of masks and goggles is of major concern to community-based doctors. DAN LETT A_02_Apr-18-20_FP_01.indd A2 2020-04-17 9:50 PM ;