No Ebola patients have been treated at the hospital nor have any patients failed the screening process to evaluate potential patients who may be at risk.

“Halifax Regional remains prepared to treat all types of emergencies and provide necessary care for patients in our region,” said William Mahone, HRMC president.

Halifax Regional has always been prepared to perform a basic medical screening of all patients seeking care, including those who may have an infectious disease.

This screening includes an in-depth travel history, medical history, and detection of any symptoms of illness.

The medical center is also prepared to treat isolation patients, but national planning indicates that any confirmed Ebola patient would be transferred to a larger tertiary medical center.

“A safe work environment for our patients and staff has always been a top priority,” Mahone said. “Clinical staff are trained in basic infection prevention measures as part of their hospital orientation and continuing education, but we are implementing additional measures to re-educate front line staff and health care providers of our protocol and procedures for infection prevention.”

Halifax Regional has access to resources and expert guidance from Novant Health, the hospital said. “We will continue to participate in local, state, and national planning efforts to prevent the spread of all infectious diseases.”