CCH Reintroduces Masking Requirements to Protect Patients
2024-10-17
Cornwall Community Hospital (CCH) is asking everyone coming
to the hospital, whether for care, an appointment, or to visit a loved one, to
please wear a mask in all care and appointment areas, waiting rooms, and at the
bedside when visiting.
If you are feeling sick, please consider staying home unless
you are coming for treatment or emergency care. If you do come to the hospital,
remember to wear a mask to help protect our patients.
Free medical grade masks are available at all CCH entrances
and throughout departments. We also encourage anyone entering the hospital to
sanitize their hands using one of our hand sanitizing stations.
As we enter the respiratory virus season, COVID-19 cases are
rising in the province. We also expect more cases of influenza, RSV, and common
colds. The hospital has seen an increase in COVID-19 outbreaks, with some of
these cases linked to people visiting patients while feeling sick and not
wearing masks.
All staff, physicians, students, and volunteers at CCH are
being asked to follow the same measures, which will remain in place throughout
the cold and influenza season, with a reassessment planned for the spring.
These masking requirements are in line with our regional
hospital partners and will help keep everyone at CCH safe.
“While COVID-19 may no longer pose a serious risk for many,
several of our patients have compromised immune systems or are vulnerable to
severe respiratory infections,” explains Dr. Anastasios Boubalos, Chief of
Staff at CCH. “Wearing a mask in the hospital is the least we can do to protect
them.”
“The hospital is a unique environment where many vulnerable
patients are close together, which can allow for viruses to spread easily. Our
infection control measures, like wearing masks, are designed to prevent this,”
adds Jeanette Despatie, President and Chief Executive Officer at CCH. “We ask
for your help in wearing masks to keep our patients and everyone safe, and to
cooperate with our staff if you are asked to wear one.”
In preparation for the respiratory virus season, CCH has
increased cleaning, stocked up on supplies, and provided staff with additional
training, especially for paediatric respiratory care. The hospital is ready to
add surge capacity beds if needed. CCH encourages everyone to get their flu
shot and stay current with vaccinations. The Emergency Department may be busier
at times, so please be patient, as cases are treated based on urgency.