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Update on Team Member Electronic Screening (e-screening)
August 10: New team member e-screening information
Changes to Care Partner guidelines as of March 2, 2022
We have increased to two designated Care Partners per patient, and there is no longer a requirement that a patient be in hospital for a certain number of days before becoming eligible for a Care…
NEW Launch of online staff COVID reporting form
The OHS and IT teams have developed an online form for staff to report their COVID-19 information. After filling out the online form, staff members will receive direction regarding the most appropriate next steps, tailored…
Omicron Information and Resources
All information pertaining to Omicron will be compiled here and updated accordingly.
Point of Care Risk Assessment (PCRA)
GRH has prepared guidance to health care works for completing a point of care risk assessment.
Policy – Universal Masking Policy for Patients and Visitors
Developed by: Infection Prevention & Control / Occupational Health and Safety Approved by: Executive Vice President, Patient Care Services PurposeThe purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidance on the application of medical mask…
Care Partner/Visitor Guidelines and Virtual Visit Support
Updated March 2022 – Care Partner Guidelines
Allowing COVID+ and exposed team members to return to work
In an effort to support home units experiencing extreme shortages of staff, we may soon begin asking team members who have either tested positive or been exposed (either in the community or household) to return…
Additional break areas for team members, break safety reminders
The Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness team (OHSW) and the Infection Prevention and Control team (IPAC) have determined break rooms to be the biggest opportunity for the spread of COVID-19 between staff.
Update on services resumption
Our clinical leaders are developing a thoughtful and well managed plan for resuming services that have been paused since January 4 due to Directive #2.
Staying safe over the holidays
Sent on behalf of Dr. Todd Walters, Occupational Health I know that for most of us, the best part of the holidays is seeing our family and friends. However, Omicron is now spreading at unprecedented…
GRH recommends no work holiday gatherings
GRH leadership is discouraging all social gatherings of GRH team members. All departmentally planned social gatherings are to be cancelled (both on- or off-site).
Team Members With Only 1 Dose of COVID-19 Vaccination on File With GRH
GRH is permitting team members with proof of one (1) dose of the COVID-19 vaccination on file with Occupational Health and Safety as of October 12th to continue working where they comply with all requirements.
Notice of policy: Mandatory vaccine policy for GRH team members
GRH will be aligning with partner hospitals to ensure a safe environment for our team members and for our patients and community through the attached policy that outlines how the hospitals will manage the requirements…
Ontario Government Directive Re: Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policies for High-Risk Settings
August 18: We are developing our COVID-19 vaccination policy as mandated by the Government of Ontario. If you have received your vaccine, please send your vaccine receipt to Occupational Health and Safety.
Temporary Enhanced Mental Health Benefits Extended to All Part-time/Casual Staff
UPDATE July 8: GRH is now extending the temporary enhanced mental health benefits to all part-time & casual team members and their dependents.
Temporary Vaccine Clinic Opportunities Available: July 10 & 11
July 5: Seeking individuals for staffing support at Regional vaccine clinic July 10 & 11
Requirements for international travel
Staff planning to travel internationally this summer are required to follow all Government of Canada guidelines for returning to Canada. Click here for more information.
Free Premium Calm Application Available to all Staff and Physicians
June 15: new Calm App available to GRH staff and physicians!
Webinars, toolkits, and other resources to support your mental health
Updated June 3: New Homewood Webinars
Update Second Dose COVID vaccination plans for HCWs in Region of Waterloo Hospitals
From: Bonnie Camm, Executive VP Clinical Services, and Vickie Murray, Integrated Director of Pharmacy Quick details We have approval from MOH and enough vaccine supply to proceed with providing the highest priority eligible Health Care…
New guidance for fully vaccinated individuals exposed to COVID-19
As of May 6, fully Vaccinated Individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 cases may not be required to self-isolate under certain circumstances. Click here for more information.
New Paid COVID-19 Leave
In response to the ongoing third wave of COVID-19, the Ontario government has enacted legislation that amends the Employment Standards Act, 2000 to provide eligible employees with up to three (3) days of paid leave…
Enhanced Mental Health Benefits through Manulife
In follow-up to the memo shared on April 22, 2021 regarding additional mental health supports for GRH team members, the following provides a bit more information regarding the changes to the Manulife benefits program for…
ICYMI: April 21 COVID Wave 3 Virtual Update replay and Q&A
Watch the replay of the April 21 Virtual Update and read the Q&A about our wave 3 response.
Provincial direction regarding COVID-19 wave 3 response: surgery reduction, patient transfers from other hospitals, and human resources management
April 10: The Province has issued three new directives/guidance to Ontario hospitals to support the regional response to COVID-19. You may have seen these in the media. While we are still working through the details…
Guidance on prescription eye protection/providing your own eye protection
March 18: Guidance for eye protection, for staff asking if they can bring their own eye protection gear to work.
ICYMI: March 17 GRH Team Virtual Update
GRH President and CEO, Ron Gagnon provides an update to all GRH team members on COVID and other organizational updates. Watch the replay or download the presentation.
ICYMI: Feb 25 Virtual Staff Update replay
GRH President and CEO, Ron Gagnon provides an update on the current state of COVID in our province, region, and hospital; latest information on our vaccine roll-out; and organizational updates about current operational results, our…
Managing HCW with symptoms within 48 hours of receiving COVID 19 vaccine
Jan 21: COVID-19 vaccine side effects
ICYMI: Jan 15 COVID-19 Town Hall replay
GRH President and CEO, Ron Gagnon provides an update on the current state of COVID in our province, region, and hospital; our roll in the province’s vaccine implementation plan; and more. Click the video below…
Enhanced Mental Health supports for employees at Grand River Hospital
December 16: Employee and Family Assistance Program update
Dec 3: COVID Update
In today’s Update: NEW questions added to staff screening attestation; updates about lab and staff testing; new break spaces opening tomorrow; and more!
Reassignment Office – KW Campus
In response to the slowdown of elective surgeries, a Reassignment Office has been opened at the KW Campus to support the transition of moving employees in areas where we have staffing overages to areas that…
Hands, Face, Space
Remember: Hands: Be diligent about hand hygiene Face: Wear a mask at all times when physical distancing is not possible, in patient areas, and in public areas. Wear a mask and eye protection for ALL…
Employee Health and Wellness: COVID-19 FAQs for staff and physicians
Nov 19: Some common FAQs about working (or not working!) when: you are sick; you need a COVID test or are waiting for results; someone in your household is sick; you’ve been exposed to COVID-19;…
Infectious Disease Emergency Leave and Canada Recovery Benefits
Oct 20: Update on Infectious Disease Emergency Leave and the Canada Recovery Benefits for employees.
Counseling and Crisis Resources
Oct 15: Contact information for counseling and crisis resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Lessons Learned Survey – All Staff results
This summer we asked you to participate in the COVID 19 Lessons Learned Survey to help us better understand our response to the first wave of the pandemic and how we can improve moving forward….
Staff testing at Drive Thru Clinic
Sept. 22: GRH staff (including providers) receive expedited testing at the drive thru testing clinic. We are modifying the process to ensure staff receive this expedited testing.
Adverse reactions to prolonged use of masks
From: Marc Simard, Director Employee Health and Wellness Quick details The Occupational Health, Safety, and Wellness (OHSW) team has had reports of adverse reactions to prolonged use of masks. Common reactions include skin irritation and…
Infectious Disease Emergency Leave
Sept 3: Updates regarding leave of absence for staff who may need to care for children (or family) as a result of COVID-19
Mental health support for GRH staff and physicians
April 17: There are many mental health supports available for staff, and we are introducing new and expanding services during this time.
Workplace modification (accomodation) for at-risk front line health care providers
Employee Health and Wellness is asking that any at-risk frontline health care provider who feel they may require an accommodation should submit their request.
Reminders about using social media
We want to take the opportunity to remind all staff, physicians, volunteers, and learners that GRH has a social media policy as well as a Photography, Video Recording and Audio Recording policy.