A new vaccination policy for visitors, essential caregivers and care partners at the Renfrew Victoria Hospital (RVH) will start tomorrow (October 15th).
The RVH says visitors, essential caregivers and care partners will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated along with ID, unless they qualify under one of the following exemptions:
- Individuals under the age of 12
- Those who have a documented medical exception
- Those visiting patients at the end of life
- Labour and delivery (essential caregiver can be unvaccinated – all visitors must be vaccinated)
- Parents of children under age 16 who are receiving care
- Emergency department (one support person per patient)
- Individuals who are essential to accompany patients to appointments or participate in care planning discussions.
- Other critical or urgent circumstances requiring family presence.
The policy was developed with regional hospitals and in consultation with the Renfrew County and District Health Unit.
RVH and St. Francis Memorial Hospital President and CEO, Julia Boudreau, says this policy has been made to protect vulnerable patients, staff, physicians and families.
She’s asking that visitors refrain from any aggressive or intimidating behaviour towards the screeners or hospital staff whose job it is to apply the policy .
This visitor vaccination policy does not apply to patients.
Patients may be asked their vaccination status but their response will not affect their care.
Exceptions are subject to change and or the most up-to-date information please visit the RVH website.
