Shared on behalf of Adam Vinet, VP Patient Experience, Chief Nursing Executive and RVP, Regional Cancer Centre

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The rates of Influenza Like Illnesses (ILI) in Thunder Bay and Region have significantly reduced over the past several weeks. In light of the decreased ILI activity we are looking at moving our masking protocols back to “normal state”.|

Starting on Monday April 29, 2024 all staff, professional staff, learners and volunteers are required to wear a Level 3 procedure mask where 6ft physical distancing standards cannot be maintained while providing patient care. Staff, professional staff, learners and volunteers do not need to wear a mask when entering a patient’s room and not providing direct care provided they maintain physical distance. Essential Care Partners/Care Partners (ECPs/CPs) are not required to mask when entering a patients room.
All staff, professional staff, learners, volunteers and ECPs/CPs are encouraged to exercise their own risk analysis and level of comfort for masking above the minimum requirements. Masking is required at all times for anyone who fails self-screening and their presence is essential at the hospital and/or masking is deemed necessary based on IPAC protocols.

Masks will be made available at all public/staff entrances on the sanitizing stands, as well as at the unit/department level should you or a member of the public require a mask.

Staff, Professional Staff, Learners, Volunteers and ECP/CP’s will continue to wear a level 3 procedure mask at all times while on the Acute Oncology wing of 1A, for protection of the patients. In order to reduce the spread of communicable disease we encourage everyone to follow proper hand hygiene techniques.

Thank you for your commitment to keeping our patients, staff and Hospital safe. If you have any questions, please ask your manager or reach out to IPAC (684-6094) for further details on best practices.