As the Timiskaming District enters the Green-Prevent level of the province’s COVID-19 response framework, designated care partners are now permitted at Temiskaming Hospital as of Wednesday, February 17th, 2021. During the stay-at-home order, only essential care partners were permitted access to the hospital. At this time, general visitors are not permitted to visit in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

“We are happy to announce that our designated care partner program is back up and running. This decision recognizes the balancing of patient and staff safety with our patients’ mental health needs,” said Temiskaming Hospital President & CEO Mike Baker. He continued, “This decision also comes as a result of the hard work and dedication from our community members as we move back into the green zone.”

A care partner is a family member(s), guardian or other person(s) who provides critical and ongoing physical, psychological or emotional support to a patient. An essential care partner differs from a designated care partner in that they must be present to support a patient’s mobile or cognitive impairment whereas a designated care partner assists with a patient’s care needs such as aiding during feeding time.

Care partners work with the patients or substitute decision makers (SDM) and health care team and are involved in care, care planning and decision making. Care partners are designated by the patient or SDM and will be contacted by the hospital. Temiskaming Hospital reminds the community to refrain from calling the hospital to see if they are on the list.

In-patients may have one care partner for the patient’s length of stay. There are circumstances where additional care partners may be designated and/or permitted as outlined within Temiskaming Hospital’s Care Partner Policy. Quiet hours are from 8 pm and 7 am.

Essential and designated care partners will be screened upon entry to Temiskaming Hospital, asked to perform hand hygiene and will be required to wear a hospital-issued face mask at all times. Care partners who are medically exempt from wearing a mask must follow alternate procedures as instructed by hospital staff.

"We understand the importance of patients being able to connect with family and friends, so we encourage those still not permitted to visit to take advantage of our Virtual Visit Program where you can video chat with your loved one via our iPads,” reminded Baker.

Our Virtual Visit Program is supported by the Government of Canada's Emergency Community Support Fund and Temiskaming Foundation. To set up a virtual visit with a patient, please call 705-647-1088 ext. 2230.

Temiskaming Hospital would like to take this opportunity to remind our community members about the mental health resources that are available and acknowledge the challenging time many are facing throughout the pandemic:

  • Timiskaming District Mental Wellbeing and Crisis Line 1-888-665-8888;
  • The Regional Warm Line 1-866-856-9276;
  • Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868.

Temiskaming Hospital’s mission is to provide quality, patient-centered health care and education close to home. For the most up-to-date information about Temiskaming Hospital, please visit www.temiskaming-hospital.com.

 

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, with October 15th being the day of awareness. This day is observed nationally since 2002 when the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day Campaign was started. Each year thousands of families across Canada mourn the death of their babies.

For several years the Hope Box Team has generously donated Hope Boxes to Temiskaming Hospital, providing resources and support for families who are experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.  There have been 65 boxes distributed locally this year.

“Our team is privileged to be able to provide our local families with a hope box to create heartfelt memories to acknowledge the life of their beautiful child and provide hope” stated Rikki Hendrickson, Obstetrics/Level 1B Nursery Manager at Temiskaming Hospital.

“Hope Boxes were created as a grief support resource to encourage and support families on the grief journey. Families are not alone. We also want to equip medical staff to provide compassionate care at a time that can be confusing and difficult for families.  We are greatly appreciative of those in the community, including Temiskaming Hospital, that have supported families practically through Hope Boxes. It means a lot to grieving families.” said Jenita Naylor.

(Left to Right, Rikki Hendrickson, Ayda Naylor, Jenita Naylor, Mikayla Naylor)

Rikki continued, “On behalf on Temiskaming Hospital, I would like to thank Pete & Jenita from the Riverside community church, the founders of Hope boxes, for their generous donation of Hope boxes to Temiskaming Hospital. The ongoing donation of these beautiful boxes for Pregnancy and Infant Loss enable us to provide resources and support to our local community during a time that they are experiencing such a tragic loss.”

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Feeling unwell and not sure if you should be tested for COVID-19?

  • A COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool has been posted to the Ontario Government site. If you suspect you have COVID-19, you can use this online tool to determine if and how you should seek further care. 
  • Call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000
  • Consult your family physician or nurse practitioner
  • Call Timiskaming Health Unit at 705-647-4305 or 1-866-747-4305
  • Call the COVID-19 Regional Assessment Centre at 705-648-1844
  • If you need immediate medical assistance, please call 911, and tell first responders about your symptoms and any recent travel, so that appropriate precautions can be put in place

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