Providence Care Hospital

Updated: April 18, 2023

COVID-19 safety measures

The following visitor guidelines/safety measures are in place:

• Anyone entering the hospital must pass screening to enter. All visitors will be expected to read the signage at the main entrance and self-screen for symptoms of infectious illness. Any visitor with symptoms of infectious illness will not be permitted entry.
• Use of face masks. Visitors will be given a hospital-grade face mask which must be worn for the duration of the visit. This includes inside patient/client rooms. Click here for more information about the proper use of face masks.
• Patients/clients are no longer required to wear a mask when receiving direct care or when on their home unit, unless they are on additional precautions. Please note, patients/clients must continue to wear a mask when leaving the unit.
• Providing proof of vaccination is not required. Visitors can include unvaccinated individuals.
• Maintain physical distancing. All visitors must practice physical distancing, this includes while using elevators.
• Practice hand hygiene. All visitors must perform hand hygiene every time they enter/exit the hospital and enter/exit your loved one’s unit and room.
• Apply additional personal protective equipment if your loved one is on precautions (e.g. gown and gloves for Contact Precautions or gown, gloves and eye protection for Contact and Droplet Precautions).
• Visitors can eat/drink in the cafeteria only. Eating/drinking is not permitted in patient/client rooms.
• We count on respectful exchanges and interactions consistent with our values of respect, compassion, dignity and stewardship. As such, unwelcome conduct and disruptive visits, including those for which a patient experiences an un-favourable response may impact future visits.

Visiting Information:

Visitors are not required to be registered. The number of people that can visit at a time is 6. There are no longer designated visiting hours. Family and friends are asked to speak with the patient and the care team if you have questions about best times for visits.

The main entrance is open (unlocked) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. After 10 p.m. the doors are locked to ensure the safety and security of patients and staff through the night. Visitors can enter the hospital by using the intercom at the main entrance.

Designated care partners are individuals deemed necessary by the patient/client and clinical staff, and are part of the care plan. They provide support, including physical and emotional. Visits are planned around the patient/client’s needs and are documented on the care plan. Designated care partners are granted 24 hour access and but must pass screening. Speak to a member of the care team for further information on becoming a Designated Care Partner.

Essential Visitors are individuals who have a loved one who is critically ill or nearing end-of life. They are granted 24 hour access and may enter as long as they not symptomatic, and aren’t subject to a federal quarantine due to travel.

Masks

Masks must be worn upon entering the hospital. 

Outpatients, all visitors and designated care partners are not permitted to wear fabric masks beyond the screening desk. If you arrive wearing a fabric mask, you will be given a procedure mask. Masks must be worn for the duration of the visit.

Individuals visiting a patient/client on additional precautions will be provided a contact/droplet mask to wear on the unit. Designated care partners who provide direct patient/client care must also wear a contact/droplet mask.

Masks must be worn for the duration of your visit. This includes when you are inside your loved one’s room.

Outpatients and visitors must wear a face mask while in the hospital. If outpatients/visitors do not have their own, they will be provided one.

Patients/clients are no longer required to wear a mask when receiving direct care or when on their home unit, unless they are on additional precautions. Please note, patients/clients must continue to wear a mask when leaving the unit.

Screening

All visitors, designated care partners, outpatients, and volunteers must answer the following questions upon entry: 

• Do you have any of the following symptoms:
  • fever (temperature of ≥ 37.8oC) or chills
  • new or worse cough
  • sore throat
  • shortness of breath
  • runny nose
  • vomiting or diarrhea

COVID-19 vaccination

Visitors no longer need to provide proof of vaccination upon entry.

Monitoring for COVID-19 & other Illnesses

All inpatients at Providence Care Hospital will be monitored daily for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

It is important to let your care team know if you develop any new or worsening symptoms.

Outdoor access

Patients and clients are permitted to leave the building to access outdoor hospital spaces.

The following safety measures and recommendations are in place for patients and clients who plan to leave the building:

• Use hand sanitize when leaving/re-entering units and exiting/re-entering the hospital.
• Stay on hospital grounds unless you have an approved day pass (for discharge planning and special circumstances in coordination with your care team), leave of absence or are attending a medical appointment.
• Limit the number of people you come into close contact with and wear a mask if physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Re-enter through the main entrance and self-screen for symptoms of illness

Outpatient clinics/appointments

As part of our enhanced safety measures, all outpatients must participate in self-screening.

On the day of your appointment, please bring the following:

• A list of all medications you are currently taking.
• Any mobility aids, including canes or walkers.
• Comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Your health card.
• A mask.

Connecting with your loved one

There are many ways for families to connect with loved ones at the hospital, including phone calls, FaceTime and Skype.

To help arrange a FaceTime or Skype visit please email Janet Hunter, Volunteer Services Director, at hunterj1@providencecare.ca.

You can also email patients/clients at emailapchpatient@providencecare.ca.

Please note: there is complimentary WiFi available throughout the hospital. Patients/clients, visitors and volunteers can connect to WiFi by selecting ‘PC_GUEST_WIFI’ in their network settings. Please note you must read the acceptable use policy and click ‘accept’.