This is in full accordance with earlier directions received from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. “The Hospital’s screening standards had exceeded these directions in order to provide for extra vigilance in an attempt to protect our staff, physicians, patients and visitors,” explains Anthony Vines, President and CEO, Ross Memorial Hospital.

Visiting hours will continue to be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Also, as per Hospital policy, two visitors per patient at any one time will continue to be permitted. Visitors who are feeling ill are advised not to visit the Hospital.

Further, patients arriving at the Emergency Department are encouraged to arrive on their own unless they require assistance or are critically ill, and then only one escort will be permitted.

Ross Memorial is pleased to have the volunteers return to provide full services in the main entrance area of the Hospital, including the Information Desk, and the Gift Shop and the Coffee Shop.

“We believe that the precautions we have taken, including screening, have been most beneficial in our attempts to prevent an occurrence of SARS at Ross Memorial,” states Mr. Vines. “It is imperative, however, that we remain vigilant. We will continue to strictly adhere to all precautions including the proper use of protective clothing and barriers, such as masks, goggles, gowns, gloves, etc.”

“We very much appreciate the co-operation and understanding received from all staff, physicians and the community during the past several weeks while screening everyone who entered the Hospital was an important component of our attempt to protect everyone from SARS,” continues Mr. Vines.