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Large-Animal Isolation Unit Opens at OVC
Facility serves as anchor for Ontario Veterinary College’s new Health Sciences Centre
A state-of-the-art large-animal isolation unit that will set a new standard in patient housing and infection control opened at the Ontario Veterinary College May 25.
In the isolation facility, potentially infectious animals will be separated from other patients, especially horses that are being admitted for elective medical/surgical evaluations or other procedures. Animals showing signs of infectious disease will immediately be directed to the isolation unit.
The 9,000-square-foot facility includes 12 separated stalls — each with its own nursing station — video monitoring from a central station and sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Each stall has dual access with interior and exterior doors, which will improve the efficiency and working conditions for staff and clinicians, said OVC dean Elizabeth Stone.
“It’s very exciting to be opening the doors of this long-awaited facility,” said Stone. “We’ve always provided innovative health-care services, and this new unit gives our clients yet another reason to be confident in our ability to provide the best care possible.”'
Located in the southwest corner of the OVC complex, the isolation facility serves as the anchor for the college’s new Health Sciences Centre, which will include the new Pathobiology Building and Animal Health Laboratory and the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Primary Health-Care Centre, both scheduled for completion in 2010; a centre for animal cancer care; an equine sports medicine and reproduction centre; and other improvements to the OVC Teaching Hospital.
Construction of the isolation centre was funded through infrastructure grants from the federal and provincial governments, with additional support from the University.