Providence Place has been closed to visitors since before Christmas

It wasn't a Merry Christmas for Providence Place residents and their families.  A flu outbreak in the long-term senior care home in Moose Jaw rendered the facility on lockdown just before Christmas, which means no visitors unless it's a "life or death" situation. 

"It is a very tough time for our residents and their families," says Dianne Hartell, Director of Person-centred care and rehabilitation with Providence Place, "especially over the holidays when visitors want to come in and see their loved one.  Our direction comes from Public Health and we must follow the direction that is put forth."

Hartell can't divulge the total number of flu cases, but says a lockdown is initiated if a minimum two cases in a wing are diagnosed.  She adds the lockdown will be in place until at least New Year's Day.

Staff at Providence Place are on their regular work schedules, according to Hartell.  "We're being very attentive to our infection-control procedures.  Masking, hand washing, things like that to minimize the spread of anything.  And most definitely if staff are sick, they are not able to come to work."

Hartell says the lockdown will continue until at least New Year's Day, as doctors continue to monitor the health of the residents.

Providence Place opened in 1995, and currently has 160 long term care beds, as well as 14 beds in the Geriatric Assessment Rehabilitation Unit.