Almonte General Hospital

Respiratory Illness Update

The Emergency Department is open 24/7 and ready to care for patients with serious health concerns.

We are closely monitoring the respiratory illness situation. We want to ensure everyone's safety and well-being. We continue to serve the urgent health care needs of our communities through Almonte General Hospital and Lanark County Paramedic Services and to care for residents at Fairview Manor. We are following all procedures as directed by Public Health and the Ministry of Health.

Masks

With respiratory season behind us and community risk indicators trending down for all respiratory illnesses, the MRHA has revised masking protocols facility wide. Please be advised of the updated masking protocols effective Monday, April 22, 2024.

Masking Protocols for Visitors:
Please Continue With:	•	Masking is optional throughout the facility but remains strongly recommended.
	•	Visitors are asked to postpone their visit if feeling unwell.

Masking Protocols for Patients and Residents:

Updated:

Outpatients:

· Masking is optional but strongly recommended where the patient has passed the respiratory self-screening questions.

Please Continue With:

Outpatients:

· Masking remains mandatory on entry if experiencing respiratory illness or symptoms and or have risk factors compatible with respiratory illness.

o Children who are younger than two years of age

may be exempt from wearing a mask.

Inpatients and Residents:

· Masks are provided as an option within their room.

· Masks are provided as an option throughout the facility.

· Patients/Residents with respiratory illness must be masked for transfers outside of their room.

Masking protocols for Staff, Physicians, Students and Volunteers include the following:
Updated:	•	Masks are required based on a point of care risk assessment (PCRA). o A PCRA must be completed before every patient/resident interaction to determine the risk of exposure to infectious agents and determine the appropriate IPAC measures to be taken. o If you are not familiar with how to perform a point of care risk assessment, please review the assigned Surge learning on personal risk assessment or reach out to your manager for additional training.
Please Continue With:	•	Masking when instructed to do so as a return-to-work plan for respiratory illness
	•	Putting on the necessary PPE before entering an isolation room as per your PCRA.

Although masking is not the only measure that protects against the spread of infectious disease it has been an important and easy measure to maintain, therefore, MRHA continues to supply masks throughout all departments and supports individuals who choose to wear a mask beyond the minimum requirements listed above.

Coming to visit a patient

Learn more about the current guidelines.

Getting the Vaccine

Vaccines are safe, effective, and the best way to protect you and those around you from serious illnesses. Learn more about Ontario's vaccination program here:

covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-ontario.

Read about vaccine considerations for people living with cancer.

Coming to AGH

Between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekends:

Please use the main entrance, including obstetrics and support person and ambulatory care patients.
Emergency patients should use the Emergency Department entrance.

All other times:

Everyone should use the Emergency Department entrance. Everyone must self-screen.

For details about changes to the Obstetrics Unit, visit www.almontegeneral.com/obstetricalunit

Get the Facts

To reduce the spread of germs including the flu and respiratory illnesses, remember to:

Stay home if you’re feeling unwell
Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just cleaned your hands
Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand

For the latest information about Coronavirus, please visit credible websites such as:

During this time of increased pressures, the professionalism, compassion and teamwork of the staff and medical staff at Almonte General Hospital, Fairview Manor and Lanark County Paramedic Service is to be commended.

Thank you for your understanding as we work together to protect everyone’s safety and well-being.