THANK YOU:
Hello fellow coworkers,
Please let me first thank you for what you do. We are going through a rough period; we are short-staffed in most departments and a lot of us are affected. We need to help and support each other between the units. When your workload permits, please be honest and offer your free time to other units. We know which units are most challenging right now; I do not want to see employees hiding out on quiet units. I want to see more collaboration between the units, and this goal is what we will work on together.
UNIT MEETINGS:
Erica will schedule unit meetings for the last two weeks of August. We will resume the meetings with shift meetings to have smaller groups. Please email Erica any topics you would like to discuss and I will add to the agenda.
SYMPTOMATIC EMPLOYEE PROCEDURE:
Please see decisional tree below. As of today, please refer to this table, which identifies when you should get tested for COVID-19 and when to self-isolate. You do not need to call me with your symptoms; if you have any of the listed symptoms, you need to get tested the same day and inform Human Resources or the Supervisor as per the call-in policy. Please follow up when you receive your results. When you call in for COVID-19-related reasons, please justify your absence (e.g., do you have symptoms, have you been in contact with someone who tested positive, etc.). The Supervisor or Human Resources Officer will confirm with the decisional tree.
Please remain vigilant. Deconfinement caused a lot of people to forget about COVID-19; the virus is still very much real and the number of new positive cases has increased recently. I know that masks are mandatory in Québec, but please remember to wash your hands frequently, even at home. Please avoid gatherings and proximity with people you do not see often. Simple barbecues and birthday parties have caused COVID-19 outbreaks. Please choose your outings wisely, be careful, wash your hands, and wear a mask.
NEW VISITOR REGULATIONS:
Please read the below message that was posted in The Chatter. There are important changes to acknowledge concerning visitors.
"I know that the situation has improved a lot, but the pandemic is not over. Since July 18th, masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces. This safety measure was implemented to prevent the spread of droplets that could cause COVID-19 transmission and outbreaks. Please make sure you apply the below recommendations, which do not apply to CHSLD residents.
- You must wear a mask when you leave the Wales grounds
- You do not have to wear a mask when walking outside alone, but you do if you are accompanied
- You must wear your mask when walking from your room or apartment to the Dining Room. Once seated, you may remove your mask, but please put it back on when you leave
- I recommend that you wear your mask in the hallways
- Please wear your mask to activities until you are seated at a two-metre distance from your neighbours.
- Masks are mandatory in the Hair Salon and Tuck Shop
- You will be screened for symptoms for fourteen days if you leave the Wales for more than twenty-four hours to visit family or friends
- You will be on isolation for twenty-four hours if you remain at the hospital for more than twenty-four hours
- You do not have to wear a mask if you have a breathing condition
A resident can visit another resident if they register at the front door as a visitor and wear their mask during the visit. I do not recommend that you play cards or other games where you share pieces, like puzzles or board games.
You may now receive deliveries, such as restaurant food or goods. Visitors can bring items directly to your room during visiting hours. Outside of visiting hours, visitors are asked to leave items at the main door. Visitors are still not permitted to eat or drink on the grounds as they must keep their mask on for the duration of their visit. We are still applying a zero tolerance policy on this matter. Visitors are still not permitted to bring fresh food like fruits and vegetables, refrigerated goods, homemade meals, or personal food or drink items. Please understand that these measures are subject to change; what is permitted today may not be tomorrow."
employee belongings:
Employees are still not permitted to bring personal belongings on the units. You still must leave your lunch box in one of the break room fridges and your cell phone and bag in a locker. You can still bring your water bottle, as long as it remains on the designated shelf in the kitchenette.
You may now bring goods to the residents. I know that some employees bring decorations and prizes. When you get new items, please refrain from opening the packaging and try not to leave them in your home too long.
vacation:
I will be on vacation from Friday, July 31st until Monday, August 17th. In case of emergency, please contact the Head Nurse, Supervisor, or Brendalee. My cell phone will be out of service for most of my vacation; I will only be able to check voicemails occasionally. Thank you again for your support and continuous understanding!
Hang in there, and happy vacation!
Vicky Gingras
Director of Health Services
819-826-3266 extension 224