Page 121 - COVID-19 Inpatient Training Resources

POLICY TITLE: COVID-19: Delivery and Transfer of Essential Patient Items During
COVID Pandemic (Unity Health Toronto) - April 2, 2020

POLICY #: SJ-12-00-21
SECTION: Infection Prevention and Control
ISSUING AUTHORITY: Incident Management Team
REVIEWED BY: Mental Health Leadership
NETWORK APPROVED: April 2, 2020
SUBSEQUENT APPROVAL:

APPLICABLE SITES:  Network Providence St. Joseph’s St. Michael’s

Introduction
During the COVID-19 pandemic we must ensure the safety of our staff, physicians and patients
by minimizing opportunities for transmission. This includes potential for transmission through
items including personal belongings and food brought in from the public to our patients. We
recognize that personal belongings and food may bring comfort to our patients in a time of need
and isolation. This must be balanced with keeping our staff, physicians, patients and
communities safe by limiting the items we accept for our patients.

Policy Statement
During the COVID-19 pandemic we are discouraging the practice of having personal items and
food brought into the hospital. This is being done to protect our staff, patients and communities
by reducing the opportunity for transmission of the COVID virus. We do recognize that there are
some essential items that may support and comfort our patients. With this in mind we will only
accept i) essential “bedside basics” for patients and ii) food that is culturally required and not
provided by our Food Services. Items must be wipeable for disinfecting purposes or be in a bag
or container that can be wiped on arrival to hospital so they can be disinfected on arrival.

Policy
1. Delivery and Transfer of Essential Bedside Basics for Patients
While we are discouraging the practice of having personal items brought in for a patient, the
following essential items will be permitted:
 Personal aides (walkers, canes, glasses, hearing aids, prosthetics etc.)
 Communication aides (phone, charger, iPads, e-readers etc.)
 Toiletries (new toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene products etc.)
 Clothing as absolutely necessary (for a maximum of 3 days) and in a sealable bag or
container with a top that can be wiped

If a patient requires an essential item to support them in hospital, the patient themselves or a
family member may coordinate with Patient Relations to arrange deliveries. They may also
arrange to have laundry or valuables sent home.

To arrange a drop-off or pick-up of patient items the patients or family may contact Patient
Relations. Patients or families are encouraged to contact Patient Relations one day in advance

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