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Pembroke Regional Hospital (PRH) has announced new masking requirements due to high rates of respiratory illnesses, including RSV, Influenza, and COVID-19, in the community and within the hospital. Effective immediately, patients and visitors who are able will be required to wear a provided procedure or surgical mask in certain areas of the hospital.
Masks must be worn when visiting the Emergency Department, seated in the Emergency Department waiting room, or visiting patients in clinical units. However, masks are not required in public areas such as hallways, elevators, waiting rooms, or the cafeteria, though they will be available for those who prefer to wear one.
PRH is currently managing an RSV outbreak on its Rehabilitation unit and an Influenza outbreak on its Medical unit. Sabine Mersmann, PRH President and CEO, stated that these enhanced measures are designed to protect the health and safety of patients, staff, and visitors, and reduce the spread of illness in the hospital.
Mersmann emphasized that wearing masks and maintaining proper hand hygiene are effective ways to prevent respiratory illnesses, especially in healthcare settings. Visitors who are feeling unwell are asked to avoid visiting patients, and patients with appointments should wear a mask if they feel sick.
PRH will continue to monitor respiratory illness trends and reassess the masking requirements regularly to ensure the safety of everyone at the hospital.
(Written by: Emma Butler)