General News
SMH revises mask policy as cases of respiratory illness rise
November 8, 2024 · 0 Comments
By Brian Lockhart
Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is increasing masking requirements.
Wearing a hospital-provided medical mask will be required in all clinical areas of the hospital for staff, patients, visitors and volunteers. Masks are not required in common areas such as hallways and stairwells.
The change to the masking protocol comes as the number of COVID-19 cases and other respiratory illnesses are increasing in the region and community.
“SMH is a mask-friendly, inclusive environment that keeps the safety of all individuals at the hospital a top priority,” said Susan Wollard, Interim vice president of clinical services at SMH. “This is an important step to keep our vulnerable patients safe, as well as our staff while reducing transmission within our facility during this viral season.
Protocols required for visitors include: wearing a hospital-provided medical mask while in a patient’s room, having visitors wash their hands or sanitize before entering and after leaving a patient’s room, and eating or drinking not being permitted by visitors in a patient room.
The hospital asks that anyone with symptoms of respiratory illness or had high-risk contact with someone who’s ill not enter the hospital for patient visits.
Readers Comments (0)
