Press Release
Riverside Health Care continues to actively stay up to date on the latest guidelines and information from Health Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Health and our local Northwestern Public Health Unit on developments regarding Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Currently, risk locally remains low.
At the same time, our outbreak management and infection control staff across our organization remain diligent in protecting our staff, patients, residents and visitors through rigorous infection and prevention controls. In addition to the robust screening and infection control procedures already in place, Riverside has taken a number of steps to prepare for COVID-19. This includes but is not limited to developing actions that provide excellent care based on continuous risk assessments, as well as implementing additional screening questions for visitors to our facilities. These may include questions regarding past fevers, respiratory problems and previous travels.
“Riverside Health Care is taking proactive precautions across our continuum of care from in our hospitals, long-term care facilities and our community support services,” said President & CEO, Henry Gauthier.
Currently, there are no restrictions or changes to our visitor policies. However, if you are unwell, do not visit a patient at the hospital or a resident in long-term care. Riverside would also like to remind the public that visiting hours at La Verendrye General Hospital, Emo Health Centre and Rainy River Health Centre are from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and limited to two guests per patient. If you have any symptoms such as a fever, a cough or shortness of breath you should not visit the hospital. Riverside also asks anyone entering, or leaving our facilities to clean their hands before and after leaving a patient’s or resident’s room, or any department within the hospital. Alcohol-based hand sanitizing stations are available throughout Riverside facilities.
“Our first priority is the health and safety of our patients, residents, clients and the community. We are taking precautions to ensure we can continue serving them, while also protecting the health of our staff,” stated Julie Loveday, Vice President of Clinical Services & Chief Nursing Executive. “We continue to encourage everyone to practice regular infection prevention techniques such as washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, proper cough etiquette (cough into shoulder/upper arm, not your hands), disinfect commonly-touched surfaces and staying home when sick.”
If you are concerned you have COVID-19, Riverside recommends you contact the Northwestern Public Health Unit at 1-807-468-7109 or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. They will evaluate you and determine if you meet the guidelines for testing based on symptoms, travel and exposures. For further information regarding COVID-19, visit Canada.ca.
