Effective today, the breastfeeding clinic will resume. As of Monday, April 14th, pulmonary function tests will be reinstated.

As of Wednesday, April 16th, outpatient nutritional counseling and clinics will resume. Participants in the nutritional programs will be contacted regarding their reinstatement.

On Thursday, April 17th, the Dreams to Diapers program will also resume. This program will be held at 230 Angeline Street South.

A recent directive from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care stated, “…volunteers are permitted at the discretion of the Hospital provided that these individuals pass the SARS screening tool.” Ross Memorial has reviewed the directive and will be phasing in the return of volunteers to the Hospital. On Monday, April 14th, volunteers will be returning to some areas of the Hospital, including Infection Control (office assistance), Continuing Care, Recreation, Pastoral Care and Administrative areas.

“Our volunteers are a vital part of our Hospital,” explains Anthony Vines, President and CEO, Ross Memorial Hospital, “and we have really missed their valuable contribution due to the SARS emergency. We are very pleased that we are now able to have them return, albeit in a phased-in approach, to the Hospital. Further volunteer services will be re-introduced as soon as possible and practical”.

All other restrictions remain in effect, e.g. the Hospital remains closed to visitors except for compassionate grounds, for example, critically ill patients, terminally ill patients, children and newborns. Each of these patients is allowed one visitor at a time. Visitors must wear their masks at all times.

“We are anticipating further provincial directives in the coming days as the hospital sector returns to full service” continues Mr. Vines. “In the meantime, full screening of everyone entering the Hospital will remain in effect.”

For more information on SARS:

• Ross Memorial Hospital website: http://www.rmh.org
• Ross Memorial Hospital Information Line: (705) 328-6191
• General information about SARS: INFOline: 1-888-668-4636
• Those with symptoms of SARS: Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000