MASKS REQUIRED IN ALL CLINICAL AND PATIENT-FACING AREAS BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Friday, September 22, 2023

As of Monday, September 25, 2023, Groves Memorial Community Hospital (GMCH) and North Wellington Health Care (NWHC) require wearing masks in all clinical and patient-facing areas.

“The decision to reintroduce masks is due to increased community COVID transmission rates and recent regional hospital outbreaks,” states Kate Kobbes, VP of Patient Services and Chief Nursing Executive, GMCH/NWHC. “Our focus is to protect our patients and staff. Clinical/patient-facing areas are at a greater risk for transmission.” The emergency departments, inpatient units, ambulatory care areas (diabetes education, respirology, physiotherapy) and diagnostic imaging (x-ray, ultrasound, mammography, CT, bone mineral density) will require patients, visitors, and staff to wear masks. “Symptomatic patients presenting to GMCH/NWHC hospitals will continue to be asked to wear a mask upon entry and while waiting for care,” explains Kobbes.

Kobbes kindly reminds the public, “Your best defense against the spread of infection is to wash your hands often, ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date, and wear a mask – especially in large group settings. Finally, please be kind to our healthcare workers, especially when they ask you to wear a mask. They work around the clock to care for patients and want to ensure everyone is protected while in the hospital.”

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