Infection control and patient safety

Infection control and patient safety

Prevent circulation of respiratory viruses

There are several simple ways to keep yourself, your child and other people safe before, during and after your visit to the Montreal Children’s Hospital to prevent circulation of respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), influenza and SRV.

Masks

Mask-wearing: who, where and why

Masks contain respiratory secretions when we talk, cough or sneeze, and they offer protection to the person wearing them from other people’s respiratory secretions.

No mask: A child under the age of two years or anyone who cannot wear a mask

Without symptoms

Any person over the age of two without symptoms (a rash, a cough, a fever or gastrointestinal symptoms).

A mask is optional.

We encourage that you wear a mask in common areas and in crowded spaces.

A mask is recommended when visiting a patient :

  • on the Hematology, Oncology and Transplant Unit (B07 North)
  • on the Pediatric intensive care unit
  • who may get very sick with COVID-19 or the flu

Some viruses can spread even before we feel sick.

With symptoms

Any person over the age of two with symptoms or who has recently been exposed to a sick person.

A mask is required at all times (Except to drink, to eat or to take oral medication).

All common areas of the hospital until in a closed room.

In a closed room:

  • when healthcare workers are present.
  • if the patient has not yet been exposed to the person who is sick.

When we are sick, our respiratory secretions contain viruses or bacteria that can spread to others when we talk, cough or sneeze. Masks help contain those secretions.

Hand hygiene

Hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses and bacteria that we may carry on our hands or gloves.  

We ask that you and your child perform hand hygiene on arrival, as well as each time that you enter and exit your child’s room or exam room, and before and after glove use. Remember that gloves do not replace hand hygiene! 

For most situations, you can use the alcohol-based hand rub. It is highly effective against most viruses and bacteria, including the virus that causes COVID-19. However, when your hands are visibly soiled or if your child infected with C. difficile or Norovirus, you should wash your hands with soap and water.

Don’t forget to wash your hands with soap and water before and after eating, and after using a restroom!

Social distancing

Another way you can prevent the spread of COVID-19 is by staying away from other family bubbles. We call it physical (or social) distancing.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms

Coming to the hospital with COVID-19 symptoms puts patients and staff at risk.

Parents and caregivers who test positive for COVID-19 must wait a minimum of ten (10) days before coming to the hospital (some exceptions apply).

Information on COVID-19 – MSSS

You can also call the following numbers, from Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.:

We encourage you to talk to your child about the above measures so that they know what to expect. Let them know that their and their family’s health and well-being are our top priority. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Infection prevention is everyone’s business, and we thank you for doing your part!

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