Mandatory Vaccination Policy for all hospital visitors, essential caregivers, care partners coming into effect October 15 at all Renfrew County hospitals
With regards to the new mandatory vaccination policy coming into effect October 15th for hospital visitors, essential caregiver and care partners at all hospitals in Renfrew County, please note the following points of clarification:
- Regardless of vaccination status, no one will be denied care or services at the Pembroke Regional Hospital.
- The new mandatory vaccination policy which will come into effect October 15th ONLY applies to visitors, essential caregivers/ and care partners. The new policy DOES NOT apply to patients.
- There will be a number of exceptions to the new policy. Those exceptions are in the process of being finalized and will be shared by the hospital next week (the week of September 27th).
We appreciate you have questions regarding specific circumstances, and thank you for your patience as we finalize the details which should help address some of the concerns being expressed about the new policy.
Visitor Policy (Family Caregiver/Care Partner Presence During COVID-19)
Use of Masks
If patients admitted to hospital catch COVID-19, they are at a high risk of becoming seriously ill or experiencing serious complications. As a safety measure for our patients, staff and visitors, scheduled/approved visitors must wear masks while indoors at any hospital in the Champlain region. If you are approved to visit, as per hospital policy you will be provided with a procedure mask when you arrive.
Please note:
Can I visit a friend or loved one in the Hospital?
Patients in Hospital are at extreme risk if exposed to COVID-19, therefore strict restrictions are necessary.
PRH may allow designated Family Caregiver/Care Partner(s) to support the patient’s care and mental well-being. The patient and/ or substitute decision maker is the one to decide who they would like to designate as their Family Caregiver/Care Partner. Only one Family Caregiver/Care Partner will be permitted at a time.
In addition to the above, patients may be permitted one visitor per day between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. and may have a visit from their clergy/faith leader if the request for this visit has been approved by the Spiritual Care Coordinator and they have passed the screening at the hospital entrance.
Can I accompany a friend or loved one to the Emergency Department or an outpatient appointment?
Patients may designate one family/support person to accompany them while attending an outpatient appointment or the Emergency Department.
If you are accompanying a friend or loved one to a same-day procedure or surgery, you may be asked to wait outside or return when the procedure or surgery is complete.
If you are accompanying a friend or loved one to the Emergency Department, you may be asked to wait outside until the patient is brought to a designated room/treatment area.
Can I visit a friend or loved one who is dying in hospital?
Yes. Visits need to be coordinated with the care team and the Hospital. While it is difficult to be precise around when an individual is at end of life, this generally refers to the last week of life.
What are the Rules for Visiting?
To visit a patient in the Hospital you must:
What can I bring into the Hospital?
For the health and safety of our patients and staff, we ask that you only bring items for patients which can be cleaned or wiped down with Hospital Grade Disinfectant.
For the Maternal Child Care Program:
The designated visitor must be healthy and must pass screening. If the designated visitor is unable to attend then the mother can request another support person. The designated visitor cannot rotate or change through the labour process. This includes after delivery and for the recovery period.
Personal Belongings for Patients
At this time, personal belongings for patients (for activities of daily living as well as minimal personal items) will be permitted into the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with the following process for drop off:
Some examples of items for activities of daily living or minimal personal items may include: hearing aids, glasses, dentures, personal brushes, books, electronic devices, slippers, clothes (clothes must be laundered before patient use).
In this section of our website you will find a variety of helpful information about our facility. Additionally, as part of our commitment to quality care and patient safety, there are a few things you need to know before you visit.