Montfort allows the presence of loved ones at the bedside at all times

Ottawa, May 23, 2023 – No one knows our patients better than their loved ones. That’s why we allow them to be present at the bedside at all times.

This is the approach that had been in place at Montfort since 2016, and that was changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are now returning to that to be aligned with the principles of our vision to be your hospital of reference for outstanding services, designed with you and for you.

As a result, starting Tuesday, May 23, our patients will be able to have loved ones at their bedside 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A “quiet period” remains in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Questions and answers

Why the change?

Research has shown that the presence and involvement of loved ones facilitate care and improves communication, allows for a positive experience, results in fewer falls and medication errors, and reduces the rate of readmission and emergency room visits following discharge.

Are there any rules to follow?

Allowing loved ones to be present at all times does not mean we invite large groups of visitors at all times of the day and night.

If a room is too noisy, if there are too many visitors, if patient care or privacy is threatened, or if there is a conflict, the nursing staff will work with patients and their loved ones to find appropriate solutions.

Can a patient restrict their visits?

Yes, a patient can request that their visits be restricted. In this case, the board at the bedside can be used to convey this message to the care team; this is also noted in the chart.

Are there protective measures that apply?

At all times, visitors must follow the guidelines for hand hygiene, mask and personal protective equipment (PPE) when required, and any other appropriate infection control measures.

Can someone with symptoms visit a patient?

As always, people who are not feeling well, who have an infection, or who are showing symptoms of respiratory or contagious illness should not visit a loved one in the hospital.

About Montfort

Hôpital Montfort is Ontario’s Francophone Academic Hospital, offering exemplary person-centred care. The hospital serves over 1.2 million people in Eastern Ontario, in both official languages. In 2022, it earned Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada for the third time, and is the first francophone host as the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario’s flagship Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO).

With its main partners, the University of Ottawa and La Cité college, as well as other post-secondary programs, Montfort is preparing the next generation of Francophone healthcare professionals. Since 2015, it has joined the ranks of Canada’s top 40 research hospitals through the activities of the Institut du Savoir Montfort, its knowledge institute. Montfort strives to become “your hospital of reference for outstanding services, designed with you and for you.” In 2019, it was named one of the world’s top 1000 hospitals.

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