BGH adapting COVID-19 precautions
Brockville, ON, September 6, 2022 – To support a better patient experience, and in alignment with the Ontario government’s Plan to Stay Open: Health System Stability and Recovery, Brockville General Hospital (BGH) is taking a phased approach to modifying COVID-19 protocols.
“We’re very fortunate to have a community who has done their part to reduce the spread and severity of the COVID-19 virus,” says Nick Vlacholias, President and CEO. “It is time for us to adapt, so that patients and their loved ones may safely continue to support each other.”
Welcoming visitors and essential care partners
Starting immediately, inpatients at BGH may identify two essential care partners and two dedicated visitors during their hospital stay. Up to two people may be in the room with the patient at a time. An essential care partner is someone who supports the safety and well-being of a patient while they are in hospital. These individuals provide emotional, cognitive and/or physical support and function as a member of the care team. Visitors provide important social interaction.
To help BGH monitor the volume of people in the building, essential care partners and visitors must be pre-registered before seeing their loved one. Once registered by the patient or their substitute decision-maker, essential care partners and visitors may come during the visiting hours designated by the unit; scheduling a visit once registered is not required. Visiting for Palliative Care patients remains unchanged.
Essential care partners and registered visitors are also welcomed to bring foods from home.
“Everyone loves a home cooked meal or special treat,” continued Vlacholias. “Please deliver to the patient whom you are visiting and do not leave food at the main entrance area. Unfortunately, our staff are unable to deliver to patient rooms at this time.”
Commitment to safety
All registered visitors, essential care partners, volunteers and healthcare workers continue to be required to wear medical grade masks, maintain a physical distance and perform hand hygiene regularly.
To reduce the severity of the COVID-19 virus, and reduce pressures on our health system, BGH continues to strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated.
“To ensure the continued safety of vulnerable patients and healthcare workers, we may adjust our practices as we head into the fall and winter months. Everyone in our building expects a safe hospital space,” Vlacholias said.
“Thank you to the community for your continued patience and understanding as we care for your loved ones.”
More information may be found at www.brockvillegeneralhospital.ca/visiting or by speaking with a member of your care team.
Contact
Abby McIntyre
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Brockville General Hospital
613-341-1202
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