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Newsroom

Enhanced Masking In Place To help Reduce The Spread of Respiratory Illnesses

21/1/2025

Given the high rates of respiratory illnesses (RSV, Influenza and COVID-19), both in our community, and among our patient and staff populations, the Pembroke Regional Hospital is mandating masking in parts of its health care facility, effective immediately.

 

In addition to enhanced masking requirements for staff and physicians, PRH patients and visitors who are able, will now need to wear a provided procedure/surgical mask in the following situations:
 

· When visiting the Emergency Department

· When seated in the Emergency Department waiting room

· When visiting a patient on any of the hospital’s clinical units

 

Masks are not required in public areas such as hallways, elevators, other waiting rooms/areas, the cafeteria or the café, but are available for anyone who prefers to wear one.

 

Noting that the hospital is currently experiencing an RSV outbreak on its Rehabilitation unit and an Influenza outbreak on its Medical unit, PRH President and CEO Sabine Mersmann said the enhanced measures are being introduced to protect the health and safety of all patients, staff, and visitors, and to help reduce the spread of illness within the hospital.

 

“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding as we work together to keep our hospital safe,” Mrs. Mersmann said. “Wearing a mask and ensuring your hands are washed and sanitized are two of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, especially in health care settings where patients are often more vulnerable to infections. By following these measures, we can help prevent the spread of illness and protect our most vulnerable patients.”

 

Those who are feeling unwell should avoid visiting patients in the hospital or accompanying someone to the hospital. Patients who have an appointment at PRH but feel unwell should also wear a mask.

 

Pembroke Regional Hospital will continue to monitor respiratory illness trends within the hospital and the community and will reassess this requirement regularly.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Carolyn Levesque, Public Affairs and Communications Coordinator

Pembroke Regional Hospital

(613) 732-2811, extension 6165 / carolyn.levesque@prh.ca

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Mental Health Services:

Phone: (613) 732-8770, extension 8005

Toll Free: 1-800-991-7711

Fax: (613) 735-8238

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call our 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line 1-866-996-0991

Get In Touch

705 Mackay Street
Pembroke, Ontario
K8A 1G8

Phone: (613) 732-2811

Email: pr@prh.ca

 

Release of Information office:

Requesting Medical Chart/Information

ROE@prh.ca

(613) 732-2811, extension 6142

(613) 732-6343 Fax

 

Emergency Department Fax:

(613) 732-6351

Fracture Clinic Fax:

(613) 633-4578 

Lab Fax:

(613) 732-6353