Masking Updates at Queensway Carleton Hospital
April 07, 2025
Effective April 7, 2025, masks are encouraged but
no longer required in most areas of Queensway Carleton Hospital, outside of the
Emergency Department.
Everyone is required to wear a mask at all times in the Emergency
Department, including staff, patients and families.
We will continue to have masks available throughout the hospital for
all who need or want them. We will support those who choose to wear a mask
because they feel vulnerable or to keep their loved ones safe. Liberal use of
masks is part of our new normal. As a reminder, we ask visitors to stay home if
they experience symptoms, except if they need to receive care.
This decision was not made lightly, given the importance we place on
protecting our patients and staff particularly those whose medical conditions
leave them more vulnerable to infection. This decision comes after rigorously
monitoring various indicators.
We will actively monitor hospital and other public health indicators
and make further adjustments as appropriate.
The five moments of masking:
Outside of the Emergency Department, the masking of staff and
physicians will be based on 5 particular scenarios:
- If a patient
asks staff to mask.
- If a staff
member's point of care risk assessment (PCRA) suggests they should be wearing a
mask to protect their mucous membranes from splash or spray of blood or body
fluids, or to protect a vulnerable patient from their respiratory
secretions.
- If there is
signage, such as a droplet/contact precautions sign that indicates masks are
required to enter the patient care space.
- If a unit is on
outbreak, requiring all patient care to be delivered wearing a mask and eye
protection.
- If a staff
member is on Work Self Isolation.