Press Release
RVH
Renfrew Victoria Hospital is preparing to implement vaccination policy for visitors, essential caregivers and care partners on October 15. The policy was developed in collaboration with regional hospitals and in consultation with the Renfrew County and District Health Unit.
“This policy will help to ensure the safety of our hospital environment, and provide consistency across our region no matter which organization someone goes to for care,” noted Julia Boudreau, RVH and St. Francis Memorial Hospital President and CEO.
Under the new policy, visitors, essential caregivers and care partners will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated (two shots and at least 14 days since the second shot) along with ID, unless they qualify under one of the following exemptions:
• Individuals under the age of 12
• Those who have a documented medical exception
• Those visiting patients at the end of life
• Labour and delivery (essential caregiver can be unvaccinated – all visitors must be vaccinated)
• Parents of children under age 16 who are receiving care
• Emergency department (one support person per patient)
• Individuals who are essential to accompany patients to appointments or participate in care planning discussions.
• Other critical or urgent circumstances requiring family presence.
Please note these are the current exceptions and are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on the mandatory vaccination policy, the exceptions and current visitor restrictions, please visit the RVH website at www.renfrewhosp.com
Once approved to enter, we ask that visitors/essential caregivers/care partners proceed directly to the patient room or appointment location. Please note the RVH cafeteria is currently open to staff only until further notice.
This visitor vaccination policy does not apply to patients. Patients may be asked their vaccination status but their response will not affect their care.
The implementation of visitor vaccination policy aligns with mandatory vaccination for all hospital staff and physicians.
“Please keep in mind that this policy has been made to protect our vulnerable patients, staff, physicians and their families. We ask that visitors refrain from any aggressive or intimidating behaviour towards the screeners or hospital staff whose job it is to apply the policy,” noted Boudreau.
