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In a move mirroring the practices of neighboring acute care organizations, Pembroke Regional Hospital (PRH) has announced adjustments to its mask policy. Masks are now encouraged but no longer mandatory within the hospital premises, aligning PRH with hospitals in the Ottawa area and Renfrew County.
PRH President and CEO Sabine Mersmann elaborated on the decision, citing the stabilization of COVID-19 and respiratory illnesses both within the hospital and the broader community. Mersmann emphasized the decision’s gravity, particularly regarding patient safety, but noted it reflects regional and provincial trends. PRH will monitor virus transmission and adapt policies accordingly.
Under the revised policy, PRH remains a mask-friendly environment. Patients and visitors may opt to wear masks, with provisions made for those requesting care team members to wear masks. Masks will be readily available at hospital entrances and within departments.
Exceptions to the new policy include outpatient patients wearing masks if unwell, caregivers and visitors following room-specific masking directives, and unwell caregivers delaying visits. Additionally, mask requirements may be reinstated during respiratory illness outbreaks.
The updated policy seeks to balance safety and patient comfort while remaining responsive to evolving public health circumstances.