Montfort and COVID-19

Montfort is actively involved in the fight against COVID-19.

 

 

What is the situation?

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve locally, Montfort and Ottawa area hospitals are taking further action to ensure the health and safety of patients, families and our workforce. In-line with guidance from the Ontario Ministry of Health, hospitals in the Ottawa area are taking a planned approach to postpone non-urgent surgeries, procedures, and outpatient programming and clinics.

 

What are we doing?

Montfort and the other hospitals in Ottawa are always here to care for patients, and are working together to find solutions to protect safety, while continuing to provide excellent care. 

Surgeries, procedures, and outpatient programming and clinics to be postponed are selected on a set of clear criteria to carefully consider the health-care needs of our patients while maintaining their safety. Hospital staff are notifying patients, so that they have all the information they need regarding their care.

Reducing activity in operating rooms and other areas of the hospital allows the hospitals to be ready to take on potential and confirmed COVID-19 cases, as the situation continues to evolve. Hospitals in the Ottawa area have also stepped up their infection prevention and control to help reduce the possible spread of COVID-19.

 

 

Is the Emergency Department open?

Our Emergency Department remains open at all time.

 

 

Are there COVID-19 patients at Montfort ?

As of January 15 at noon, Montfort is caring for 8 hospitalised patients with COVID-19.
 
Upon arrival, patients who appear to have symptoms of COVID-19 are placed in isolation with precautionary measures. These measures allow us to offer high quality and safe care for all our patients and our staff members. 
 
For additional information on the number of patients hospitalised, please consult the daily reports issued by Ottawa Public Health on the number of cases in Ottawa. The Full Report includes references to the number of people in Ottawa who require hospitalisation; and among them, how many require intensive care at this point. 
 

 

Can I visit a patient in the hospital?

We know how important it is for our patients to have a loved one by their side during their hospital stay.
However, since we are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases in our community, we need to review our policy on visits to ensure everyone's safety.
Our goal is to maintain a balance between the well-being and safety of our patients, staff and visitors.
Note that visits to a unit are not allowed if and when there is an outbreak in that unit.
 
How do visits work?
Based on the calculation of the level of risk, a maximum number of visitors is established to ensure the safety of all. Currently, each patient can choose one person who will have visiting privileges, by appointment. 
 

When: Visits are permitted from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., on days established according to a fair schedule for each sector of the hospital.
Duration of visit: one hour
Number of visitors alllowed: one person 
How: The hospitalized person gives his or her health care team the name of one loved one who can visit. The designated individual then calls 613-746-4621 ext. 2271 to book an appointment to visit their loved one. 

There are some exceptions for visiting outside of designated hours during the pandemic:

  • Care partner and exceptional circumstances (e.g., end-of-life patient): the days, hours and length of visits can be adjusted to suit the patient's needs. Each situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To discuss this with the nurse in charge of the patient, call 613-746-4621, press 0; tell our operator the name of your loved one and ask to speak to the nurse in charge. 
  • Emergency Room: Visitors are not allowed except in exceptional situations. Please discuss this with the nurse at the Emergency reception desk if you have any concerns. 
  • Patients with appointments: Visitors are not permitted to accompany patients with appointments, except in exceptional situations. If an escort is required, please mention it when making the appointment, and the team will evaluate your request according to the patient's needs. 
  • Family Birthing Centre: Only one person is allowed at to accompany the person giving birth, for the duration of their stay at the hospital. 

Masks

All our patients and visitors are required to wear a mask when entering the hospital. If anyone shows up at the hospital without a mask, we will hand out:
  • to a patient: a surgical mask; 
  • to other visitors: a mask, if they don't already have one. However, if the visitor visits a patient in isolation, the visitor will have to follow the care team's instructions, which include additional protective equipment.

Patients and visitors must wear a mask at all times while in the hospital, as recommended by the health autorities in Canada and Ottawa Public Health.

If you have any questions about our visiting policy, please contact patient@montfort.on.ca or 613-746-4621 ext. 2263.

To talk to a patient

We encourage family and friends of hospitalized patients to stay in regular contact with their loved one, as each patient has access to a telephone in their room.

  • To reach a patient, call 613-746-4621 and enter the room phone number.
  • If you do not know the patient's room number, call 613-746-4621 and press 0.
  • We also launched a new service to help you connect with a patient.
 
Questions and answers
 
What's a care partner? 
A care partner is someone who is not paid and who provides a primary presence for the physical care and mental well-being of the patient, for example, helping with meals, personal care, communication, etc.
 
How can I be added to the list of visitors?
If your loved one is hospitalized at Montfort and has not yet identified one person who can come and visit him/her, 
  • Call 613-746-4621, press 0. 
  • Tell our operator what your loved one's name is and ask to speak to the nurse in charge of their care.
  • The charge nurse will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis.
 
Can children visit a Montfort patient?
This depends on the circumstances. Talk to the nurse in charge of your loved one. 
  • Please note that children are not allowed at the Family Birthing Centre.
  • All children must be constantly supervised by the accompanying adult and must be able to follow the instructions of the staff members.
  • If staff members determine that a child cannot meet these requirements, they will ask the parent and child to leave the hospital.
What are the rules while I'm visiting someone at Montfort?
 
Our staff will ask you screening questions over the phone, and again when you arrive at the main entrance, to assess whether you have symptoms or are at risk of infection.
 
At your first visit, you will watch a video on good practices and then sign a "Care Partner Access Card" confirming that you have seen and understood the video and that you agree to follow the instructions. 
 
We will provide you with a mask at the main entrance.

  • In the hospital, you must wear this mask at all times. 

  • Do not touch your mask. If you touch it, wash your hands.

  • If you need to take the mask off for a few moments to eat or drink, make sure you are within two metres (six feet) of the person you are visiting, other patients and staff.

Keep your movements around the hospital as short as possible.

  • Keep a distance of 2 meters (6 feet) from others. 

  • Elevators are limited to two people at a time. If the elevator is already occupied, wait for the next one.

  • When arriving at the unit, stop at the station to advise the clerk of your presence.

If your loved one is identified as requiring "additional precautions" due to an infection:

  • A sign will be posted on his or her room door.

  • Unit staff will explain how to put on personal protective equipment before entering the room and how to remove it when you leave.

You must wash your hands when entering and leaving the room.
 
You can help your loved one to eat or sit down while wearing your mask.
 
Leave the hospital as soon as your visit is over. Go to the exit by the same route you took when you arrived. When you leave the hospital, wash your hands, remove and discard your surgical mask, and then wash your hands again. Keep your signed "Access Card" and bring it with you for quicker access on future visits.

 

Thank you for your support in keeping our patients and our team members safe.

 

Can I bring something to a hospitalised patient?

Yes, it is possible. A loved one can bring a package in a bag identified with the patient's name. The person will have to answer the screening questions before entering the main entrance. 

A clerk will make sure to have the correct room number for the patient. 

The person will then be given a clear plastic bag in which to place the items to be given to the patient, and place the bag on a table. 

A porter will pick up the bag and deliver it to the patient. 

 

What to do if I think I have the novel coronavirus?

If you feel that you need to be tested for COVID-19, Montfort manages two testing and care centres in Ottawa : one on Heron Road and the other one in the Ray-Friel Recreation Complex (Orléans). They are open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 3:30 PM. To learn more and book an appointment: https://hopitalmontfort.com/en/heron-and-ray-friel-covid-19-care-clinics-offer-online-booking  

For the complete information on COVID testing in Ottawa, visit the Ottawa Public Health website. 

If you are in distress (e.g., severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, or significant worsening of a chronic condition), go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Should I go to my appointment at the Montfort?

Montfort remains open, and we are relauching some of our services. Patients who have an appointment will receive a call.

The hospital is safe for patients and visitors.

 

I have flu-like symptoms. Should I still come to my appointment?

You should call ahead to the clinic in case it is necessary to reschedule your appointment: 613-746-4621, then press 3. If your appointment is not cancelled, people at the control centre in the hospital's main entrance will ask you to wear a mask and wash your hands before going to your appointment.

 

Will I get sick if I come to the hospital?

Your safety is important to us. We have safety measures put in to prevent the spread of infections. It is also important to wash your hands frequently, including when entering and leaving the hospital and before eating or drinking.

 

Do you have enough supplies to treat me?

Montfort – like other hospitals in the region – has supplies put aside for events like this. We have appropriate supplies to get us through a hurdle should we face one.

 

Do you accept donations?

Money donations

At Montfort, our heroes need heroes too. That's why the Montfort Foundation has created a COVID-19 emergency fund, which allows you to make an online donation. The money raised will be used to meet our growing needs related to the pandemic—both for our frontline workers and our patients. Thank you for considering making a contribution during these difficult times.

Material donations

While we are not making a call-out for donations of Personal Protection Equipment, we are very grateful to those who have donated or are offering to donate material such as

  • isolation gowns 
  • masks
  • gloves
  • face shields
  • disinfectant wipes and 
  • hand sanitizer
We have even received offers from community members who are willing to sew items; while we appreciates this kind offer, there are particular specifications that need to be met for health and safety. 
 
In response to the offers of donations, we created COVIDDonations@toh.ca – which is where the community can send their offers. These donations will be distributed to hospitals and care facilities throughout the Champlain region.  

 

Might I be sharing a room with a COVID-19 patient?

If a patient is suspected of having COVID-19, they are put on isolation precautions – they would not be sharing a room with a patient admitted for other medical reasons.

 

Do you have enough room for coronavirus patients?

We have a tiered surge plan identifying space and staffing in the event of an increase of COVID-19 patients.

 

Are you able to handle a pandemic?

We have decades of experience dealing with new viruses and a strong patient care team. There is work happening at every level, planning for different scenarios and ensuring we are ready for patients who might need acute medical attention.

 

What can I do to prevent my loved ones and myself from getting COVID-19?

To better protect the people around you, follow Ottawa Public Health's recommendations. 

  • Wear a mask or face covering when you are in indoor public spaces and when you cannot maintain a physical distance of two metres (six feet).
  • Isolate yourself from others when you are sick (and get tested promptly if you have COVID-like symptoms).
  • Stay two metres (six feet) apart from those outside your household.
  • Exercise proper hand hygiene; wash your hands regularly or use sanitizer especially before touching your face.

 

What is happening with elective surgeries and procedures?

Hospitals in the region are working together to develop a medical framework that creates a fair process guided by principles and ethics, and resumes scheduled surgeries and procedures in the right way, at the right time. Hospitals will ensure that criteria set out by the government are met in the region as a whole.

If you are in need of urgent care, we encourage you to come to our Emergency Departments. It is safe and we are here to care for you.

When will my procedure, surgery or clinic appointment be rescheduled? 
Montfort is working with other hospitals in the region to gradually increase scheduled surgeries and procedures. Work is going on in every department, in every hospital across the region, to increase services as safely, fairly and quickly as the situation allows for as many people as possible. Your procedure will be rescheduled according to the priority framework established regionally. Cases that are urgent will continue to be prioritized. Your care team will contact you as soon as they are able to reschedule your appointment. 
 
Who should I call if my condition is worse? 
If you have questions about your condition while you are waiting for your appointment to be rescheduled, or your condition changes, please contact your doctor or health-care provider.
If you need emergency care, please go to your nearest Emergency Department. 
 
Can I go to another hospital for my appointment? 
Hospitals work together to ensure higher priority procedures get done first and that all hospitals move together to ensure equity of access for all patient in the region. There is no need for you to go yourself to another facility.  The provincial government has advised hospitals to take a gradual approach to resuming services, giving priority to patients with urgent needs. Hospitals in eastern Ontario are working together on a regional approach to resuming scheduled surgeries and procedures. 
Sometimes there may be circumstances that make surgery at one hospital possible, but not another. We are working together to make sure that all patients across the region are treated equitably.
 
Why aren’t all services restarting at the same time?
The provincial government has instructed hospitals to protect a certain level of capacity and resources to be able to care for patients with COVID-19, meaning we cannot fully resume all services at once.
Work is going on in every department, in every hospital across the region, to increase services as safely, fairly and quickly as the situation allows for as many people as possible.
 
Is it safe to be coming to the hospital for care right now?
Yes! Hospitals in the region are taking every possible measure to ensure your safety.  As the region enters this new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic with less community transmission, we understand that coming into the hospital may also cause stress for some patients. We are here to care for you. Regardless of where your care takes place in the region, patient safety is a top priority. 
 
What can I expect when I come to hospital? 
You will be screened when you come into the hospital. Please plan to arrive early and be prepared to answer screening questions about symptoms of COVID-19 and your contact and travel history. Please wear a mask and physically distance from others wherever possible.
 
Will I be tested or asked to quarantine ahead of my procedure?
We will be following public health’s guidelines on testing and isolation. This means that we will continue to screen patients ahead of appointments and at the door, and we will ask patients and staff members to wear masks and practice physical distancing where possible. 
Patients and staff members will continue to be tested if they show any symptoms or relevant contact history, which means that you may be tested depending on your risk factors. 
 
Can patients with COVID-19 still come to hospital for a procedure?
We will be screening for COVID-19, and we are able to test patients who have active symptoms to help us plan the safest course of action. If you test positive for COVID-19, your care team will carefully consider the risks and benefits of moving forward with the procedure to determine the safest course of action for you.
 
What criteria does the hospital need to meet to increase scheduled surgeries, procedures and outpatient clinics? 
The provincial criteria include: a lower-than-average number of patients in hospitals across the region, known as occupancy; and sufficient staff, personal protective equipment supply, among others. 
Hospitals in the region are collaborating to meet the provincial requirements prior to increasing services. As with anything in the pandemic, the situation is constantly evolving, and we will need to monitor criteria throughout this process to ensure that they are being met.  If at any time the region’s hospitals find themselves no longer able to meet some of the criteria above, they may have to pull back the re-opening of their procedures and surgeries. If this impacts you, you will be notified.  

Where can I go to get more information?

Ottawa Public Health has the most up to date information on their website. We encourage you to go there for more detailed information about COVID-19.

Thank you for your support in keeping our patients safe.