BGH responds to Province lifting emergency safety measures for COVID-19
March 14, 2022, Brockville, ON – To continue to provide a safe environment for our patients and healthcare workers, Brockville General Hospital (BGH) will not be changing COVID-related safety measures at this time.
On March 9, the Province announced the removal of mandatory masking requirement for most settings starting March 21, with the exception of select settings such as public transit, healthcare (including hospitals), long-term care homes and congregate care.
“As the Province lifts emergency public safety measures, and transitions responsibilities to organizations, BGH will continue to closely monitor community prevalence for spread of infections and evaluate our restrictions accordingly,” says Nick Vlacholias, President and CEO. “Hospitals are high-risk congregate settings and require a higher standard of infection prevention and control practices.”
To limit the number of people - and any potential illnesses - from entering the hospital, social visits continue to be restricted.
Essential care partners, or family caregivers, are an important member of the patient’s care team. These individuals provide help with care needs, such as meal times, translation and mobility.
“We will continue to work with patients and loved ones, particular at their time of admission, to identify their most appropriate essential care partner,” says Vlacholias.
Essential care partners must continue to enter through the main entrance to allow for screening for any illness and must be fully vaccinated. They are also asked to wear a mask and hand sanitize regularly while with their loved one is in hospital
“I’d really like to commend BGH for their dedication to helping keep us safe,” shares Sarah Jane Dumbrille, Patient and Family Advisor.
BGH continues to care for people seeking outpatient care, including clinic visits and/or testing.
A parent continues to be able to attend appointments with their child.
For all staff and physicians, they will continue to be required to be fully vaccinated , actively screen for illness upon entry into the build and wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including wearing a mask.
With the prevalence of the highly transmissible Omicron variant, BGH has reported approximately 20-35 staff and physicians affected each day by COVID-19-related illness. Individuals often are required to isolate for upwards of 10 days. This has created pressure on staffing and impacts the hospital’s ability to safely deliver patient care.
“I feel good knowing that if I need to be rushed to the hospital for emergency care, I’ll be safe,” Dumbrille said.
Contact
Abby McIntyre
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Brockville General Hospital
613-341-1202
Back to Search Contact Us