The Pembroke Regional Hospital sent out a release stating each patient is allowed only one of these “visitors” per day. Each visitor will be required to sign in at the patient’s Nursing Station before the visit can take place.
“We have been very fortunate in Renfrew County and many areas of the province in terms of having very few community-based transmissions of COVID-19, but this has only been accomplished by adhering to guidelines and taking all necessary precautions,” said Sabine Mersmann, Vice-President of Clinical and Support Services / Partnerships and Integration.
“We recognize how difficult it has been for patients to not have visitors during their hospital stay or someone accompanying them to a procedure or appointment, but this is not the time for multiple people to visit. Ms. Mersmann said.
As announced June 19th, the only “visitors” currently allowed at PRH are those identified as “family caregivers or care partners” by the patient, which includes:
• Assistance with meals, mobility and personal care
• Communication assistance for patients with hearing, visual, speech, cognitive, intellectual or memory impairments
• Assistance as the designated representative for patients with disabilities
• Emotional support
• Supported decision making
Family caregivers or care partners can include a loved one, a friend, a religious or spiritual care provider, or other support person of the patient’s choosing. Only one family caregiver or care partner is permitted at a time, per patient, and each must wear a mask and any additional personal protective equipment deemed necessary.
In addition, all family caregivers or care partners must pass the hospital’s entrance screening criteria in order to be allowed to visit and must:
• Be feeling well.
• Continuously wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth.
• Refrain from bringing in food or drink for consumption since a mask must be worn for the entire duration of the visit.
• Report directly to the patient’s Nursing Station prior to visitation.
• Remain in the patient’s room and minimize movement within the facility.
• Perform hand hygiene (hand washing or using hand sanitizer) when entering and leaving the facility and when entering and leaving the patient’s room.
