RMH implementing a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Visitors
(Lindsay, ON) – Effective Thursday, November 25, 2021, visitors entering Ross Memorial Hospital who do not qualify as an essential care partner, or meet specific exceptions, will be required to present proof of full vaccination status.
“Ensuring a safe and healthy environment for everyone who works at and receives care at our hospital is our highest priority,” said Anne Overhoff, Vice President Clinical and Chief Nursing Executive, Ross Memorial Hospital. “Immunization against COVID-19 helps decrease transmission of the virus to vulnerable populations and minimize serious illness and overall deaths. We feel our policy strikes the appropriate balance between limiting potential transmission and maintaining visitation that is required in the delivery of exceptional care.”
When entering the hospital on and after November 25, 2021, every visitor will need to:
- Present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 and valid government-issued identification. Only Health Canada-approved vaccines will be accepted (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD; or one dose of Janssen/Johnson & Johnson). There must be at least 14 days from the time the second vaccine was administered for a visitor to be permitted entry.
- Pass screening, practice hand hygiene, wear a mask at all times when in hospital and on hospital property, and refrain from eating or drinking while in hospital and on hospital property.
Visitors who do not provide proof of vaccination and government-issued identification, and who do not meet the definition of an essential care partner (someone who is required to enable care for safety or compassionate reasons), will only be permitted to enter the hospital if they are supporting patients under one of the following exceptions:
- Those visiting patients at the end-of-life (within weeks).
- A birthing partner or doula of a patient giving birth at the hospital.
- Patients who require a support person in the Emergency Department.
- Parents of children under the age of 18.
- Individuals under the age of 12.
- Patients receiving a life altering diagnosis.
- Patients who require a support person to safely attend their appointment. This includes physical, cognitive and developmental disability, and who have challenges with communication and mobility.
- Experiencing a mental health crisis.
This policy aligns with many other hospitals in Ontario. It does not apply to patients.
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For more information, contact
Ryan Young
Communications and Public Affairs Officer
Ross Memorial Hospital
M: 705-328-4548