MANITOULIN—With the province having started loosening masking mandates in hospitals, the Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) has updated its masking requirements for visitors and patients visiting the two Island hospitals.
“As of Tuesday, we have changed our masking policy,” Paula Fields, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the MHC told The Expositor last week.” She pointed out all hospitals in the area have changed their masking requirements at the same time.
“MHC remains a mask friendly environment and respects and supports all employees, patients and visitors if they choose to wear a mask in any area of the hospital. Masks will continue to be provided at entrances to the hospital,” a release explains.
As of Tuesday, May 23 the mask policy within both the Little Current and Mindemoya hospitals are as follows: “For visitors, masks will be required at all times in high-risk areas including the chemotherapy room and the emergency department; visitors are required to wear masks at all times in inpatient units, including in patient rooms; Visitors will not be required to wear a mask in MHC public spaces or in outpatient areas including waiting rooms and treatment areas.”
For patients MHC will require that masks be worn at all times in high-risk areas including the chemotherapy treatment room and the emergency department; patients are reminded to monitor themselves for flu-like symptoms including worsening cough, shortness of breath and/or fever. Patients who are experiencing any of those symptoms must wear a mask in inpatient units with the exception of their own room; and must also wear a mask at all times in outpatient areas including physiotherapy, diabetes clinic, specialist clinics, lab collection, diagnostic imaging, etc.”
“Only those patients that do not have flu-like systems will be allowed to go without a mask in inpatient units; in outpatient areas including physiotherapy, diabetes clinic, specialist clinics, lab collection, diagnostic imaging, etc. and also in MHC public spaces.”
“We ask those in attendance at the hospital continue to be kind and patient with those staff that are there to help and protect you. We look forward to a healthy and happy summer season on Manitoulin,” says the MHC release.
