News

A Message to the Community: Keeping SJCG Clients and Staff Safe

Date: 2020-04-17

St. Joseph's Care Group (SJCG) has implemented a number of measures in our hospital, long-term care homes, and addictions and mental health sites to help keep our clients and staff safe and well during this global pandemic of COVID-19. I think it is important that we share some of these measures with you:

• All residents of Hogarth Riverview Manor and Bethammi Nursing Home, and clients at St. Joseph’s Hospital are screened twice per day for any symptoms and their temperature is taken. 
• All staff are screened prior to entering all SJCG facilities, and wear masks for the duration of their shift.
• Staff in long-term care were restricted to working at one location, and all staff of SJCG were requested to work solely for SJCG for the duration of the pandemic.
• SJCG established a Redeployment Centre to redirect staffing where it is needed the most including staff with appropriate qualifications to work as Personal Support Workers.

On behalf of our staff, thank you for your kind messages.  We see you outside of our buildings holding up signs of support, we read your comments on our Hearts for Healthcare Facebook outreach, and we share your social media messages through our staff newsletter.

Although visitor restrictions are in place, we encourage you to stay in touch in the following ways:

• Mail cards and letters (addresses for SJCG sites at sjcg.net).
• Connect via personal smartphone, tablet or laptop using the free Tbaytel Wi-Fi at most sites.
• Telephones at St. Joseph’s Hospital provide free local calling in most client rooms.
• Schedule Virtual Visits (video chat) directly with each site.

The absence of a local surge may be proof that our efforts are helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  The greatest protection right now for healthcare workers and the clients entrusted to us comes from you, our friends and neighbours.  We ask you to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently, stay at home as much as possible, and keep a physical distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from others if you must go out.

Please stay safe, healthy and well.

Tracy Buckler, RN, BScN, MHS, CHE
President & Chief Executive Officer