Information for clients and families

Client information

The Royal has measures in place to protect your health while you are in our care. While things may be done a bit differently during this time, please know that our team remains dedicated to treating you with care and respect.

While living with COVID-19 in our communities, The Royal has focused on continuing to provide care and support to clients and families in the safest way possible. If you have questions about a specific program or service, please contact your care team. 

Mask wearing at The Royal

We recommend that everyone wear a mask at all times inside our facilities. There are also places and times where masks are required, such as during outbreaks or if you have been exposed to COVID-19.  

The Royal’s staff will wear masks while engaged in your care (for example, during all treatment, meetings, and group activities). 

Clients must wear a mask at the following times:

  • When exposed to a COVID+ case.
  • When symptomatic (and required to leave isolation).
  • In outpatient group settings.

We recommend that clients wear masks at all times when outside of their rooms.

There are signs posted at all of our facilities to help you know when masks are required and when they are recommended (but not required). We also have masks for you to use.

 

Visitor information

The Royal recognizes the important role care partners, families and friends play in the care, quality of life and well-being of our clients. At the same time, we are committed to the safety of our clients and staff.

Mask wearing at The Royal

We recommend that visitors and essential care partners wear masks at all times while at The Royal. In addition, visitors and essential care partners will be required to wear masks on inpatient units unless they are in a one-to-one setting with a client, either in their room or in a designated visiting space. There are also times where masks are required, such as during outbreaks.  

The Royal’s staff will wear masks while engaged in care (for example, during all treatment, meetings, and group activities). 

Visitor vaccination protocol

The Royal recommends that all visitors and Essential Care Partners (ECPs) remain up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.

If you would like to arrange a virtual or in-person visit with your loved one, please contact their treatment team. Visitor requests will be granted depending on availability, program scheduling and operational feasibility.

Self-screening measures are underway

Anyone entering the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Royal Ottawa Place, or the Brockville Mental Health Centre is asked to self-screen for COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms that could indicate a viral infection should not enter the building.

If a client who needs mental health care is experiencing symptoms and therefore not able to come onsite, their clinical team will work with them to ensure they receive the necessary support in other ways. 

Stop the spread of germs

COVID-19 serves as a reminder of the importance of infection prevention and reducing the spread of germs. These practices will help to reduce the risk of spreading germs that are associated with the novel coronavirus and other viruses at any time of year:

  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer when handwashing is not an option 
  • Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm (and practicing hand hygiene after coughing and/or sneezing)
  • Staying home if you are sick or experiencing respiratory symptoms
  • Getting the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccines

We recommend that everyone wear a mask at all times inside our facilities. Masks are also required for staff and visitors on inpatient units. Please consult and follow the signs in our facilities

BY WEARING A MASK, we are better able to protect each other. 

When wearing a mask, please ensure that it covers your nose, mouth and chin.

Woman conversing on a virtual appointment

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