• Visitation hours have been reinstated between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. daily. As is currently the case, visiting will be permitted as needed in special circumstances (i.e. critically ill patients, palliative care patients, parent of an admitted child, or attendance by a partner at delivery of a child).
• Visitation is limited to one visitor per patient at one time.
• Patients and visitors, once screened and deemed to be negative for SARS, will not be required to wear a mask. However, those who are symptomatic of SARS, or those who have a fever greater than 38°C or any history of fever, or those who have any respiratory symptoms, will be required to wear a mask.
• Volunteers will continue to be phased in with the goal of returning to full service. This includes the opening of the gift shop. However, the coffee shop in the main entranceway will remain closed until further notice in order to provide the space needed for ongoing screening at the Hospital’s main Angeline Street entrance.
• All medical residents and students will be able to return to the Hospital.
• The cafeteria will be re-opened to patients and visitors.
• Floral deliveries and local courier services will resume. Delivery and sales personnel who travel to other hospitals will continue to be restricted.

Although there will be an increase in Hospital activity based on these new directives, the screening process at the entrances will remain in effect. Everyone arriving at the Hospital must pass the provincial SARS screening test, prior to entering the Hospital. As well, everyone will be required to print his/her name, sign and date the screening form; and, based on responses to the screening test, an individual may or may not be required to have his/her temperature taken.

“I am pleased that to date, there are no patients who are suspect/probable for SARS at Ross Memorial,” says Anthony Vines, President/CEO, Ross Memorial Hospital. “The precautions that are continuing are intended to prevent a case from occurring at our Hospital and the screening tool at the entrances of hospitals in Ontario has proven to be the most effective way of monitoring individuals coming into a hospital who may be symptomatic.”

Entranceway restrictions also remain in effect, whereby the Emergency/Kent Street entrance is for emergency patients only. All other patients, visitors, staff and physicians will continue to use the main Angeline Street entrance.

“This has been a difficult time for many people – our staff and physicians, as well as for our patients and visitors. In the face of this emergency, though, I can honestly say that I am pleased with everyone’s cooperation with the precautions that have been implemented and changed over the last few weeks,” continues Mr. Vines. “We are monitoring the situation on a daily basis and will continue to take every step possible to continue to ensure the safety and protection of everyone.”