Masking in Patient Care Areas
One key measure in responding to the Ministry of Health's Viral Respiratory Infection Policy is the use of medical masks in areas designated for active patient care. But what exactly constitutes active patient care, and when is it necessary to wear a mask? Let's explore this further:
Defining Active Patient Care Areas
A patient care area is any location within a healthcare facility where patients actively receive medical or clinical care. These spaces play a crucial role in patient recovery and treatment, encompassing areas where hands-on care or critical medical interventions are provided.
Healthcare workers should employ clinical judgment and conduct point-of-care risk assessments to evaluate patient needs and determine the appropriate masking.
Mask Requirements in Healthcare Settings
To minimize the risk of transmission of VRIs, specific mask-wearing protocols have been established:
Emergency Departments
Patients and anyone accompanying them must wear a medical mask over their nose and mouth at all times in emergency departments and the emergency department waiting rooms. This measure helps protect both patients and healthcare workers in high-traffic areas where exposure risks are elevated.
Acute Care Settings
Visitors to acute care settings may choose to wear a mask in areas where patients or clients are actively receiving medical or clinical care. For this, masks should be made readily available at entrances and other areas that visitors access. Additional signage is currently in development to support areas.
Long-Term Care and Seniors' Assisted Living
In long-term care, visitors are encouraged to wear medical masks during indoor group events, celebrations, and gatherings. Masks can be removed when eating or drinking.
Exceptions are made for specific situations:
- Visitors may forgo a mask when visiting a single resident in patient-care areas, including multi-bed rooms or communal spaces, as long as they are directly interacting with only one individual resident.
How to support visitors with the policy
- Make masks available for visitors and those attending appointments with patients
- Masks should be available at main entrances, in waiting rooms, etc,. for those who choose to mask
Exemptions from Mask Requirements
While the use of masks is important in many areas to promote patient recovery and aid in illness prevention, some individuals are unable to wear one due to specific circumstances, including:
- Children under the age of five.
- Individuals with health conditions, physical or mental impairments that prevent them from wearing a mask.
- People who cannot put on or remove a mask without assistance.
- Situations where communication with someone with a hearing impairment is necessary
We want to sincerely thank all staff and medical staff for their dedication to understanding and implementing these protocols as part of the Ministry of Health's Viral Respiratory Infection policy.
Thank you for being an integral part of this important journey.