Riverside Health Care

Riverside’s Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) preparedness efforts began in early January and our emergency planning, outbreak management and infection control teams have been implementing a host of proactive precautionary actions across our organization to ensuring the health and safety of those we serve. We remain diligent in protecting our staff, patients, residents, clients, physicians, volunteers and visitors through rigorous infection and prevention controls, while actively following the latest guidelines from Health Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Health and our local Northwestern Public Health Unit. Although proactive precautions are being taken, the risk of Ontarians contracting COVID-19 remains low. Riverside has taken the following actions and we are continuously adapting our preparedness to the evolving situation.

Visitor Restrictions
As of Monday March 16, 2020 the following visitor restrictions are in place.  No visitors (unless deemed essential as below) are allowed at this time.

We appreciate your understanding and assistance at this time. Compassionate exceptions will be considered and long-term care family supports will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

COVID-19  Visitor Screening

Screening for COVID-19 at all Riverside facility entrances is currently in effect. Screening follows Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care guidelines. Screening involves answering questions related to COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, fever and breathing difficulties and questions related to recent travel history. Everyone will be screened before being allowed to enter a Riverside facility. Riverside urges the public to stay at home and not make unnecessary visits to any Riverside facility at this time.

Riverside Health Care Media Releases & Communications

March 27, 2020- Positive COVID-19 case confirmed through Riverside Assessment Centre 

March 17, 2020 - Riverside opens COVID-19 Assessment Centre’s 

March 16, 202 - Riverside Visitor Restrictions and Cancellation of Elective and Non-Emergent Services

March 13, 2020 - Visitor Restrictions at Riverside Health Care
March 11, 2020 - Screening Precautions for Coronavirus Continue at Riverside
February 4, 2020 - Screening Precautions for Coronavirus at Riverside

Riverside Health Care Facebook Page

Riverside’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre’s (assessment centre) are dedicated for individuals experiencing possible symptoms of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). These assessment centre’s are by appointment only. For safety reasons, “walk in” appointments are strictly prohibited. Not everyone who attends the clinic will be swabbed. 

How to access the centre:

1. It is recommended you complete the ministry online assessment tool at Ontario.ca.
2. Please contact Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) or the Northwestern Health Unit (1-807-468-7109) so they may determine if you require an appointment at the assessment centre.
3. If you require an appointment, Telehealth Ontario or the Northwestern Health Unit will contact the COVID-19 Assessment Center to identify your need for an appointment.
4. Our assessment centres will then contact you to schedule the appointment.
5. Once you arrive, please read the instructions posted, and ensure you follow them.

What will happen at the assessment centre:

• You will be required to wear a disposable mask provided by the nurse and use hand sanitizer when entering the facility.
• You are to attend your scheduled appointment alone; except an adult may accompany a child, frail elderly, person with disability, or an individual acting as an interpreter.
• You will be asked for your OHIP card.
• You will be screened for symptoms, travel and contact history.
• Nurses will assess vital signs, such as temperature and blood pressure.
• Screening will determine if you require a nose swab.
• The Northwestern Health Unit will follow up with you after your results are received and ensure that any further direction/instruction is provided to you.

Riverside Resources   Please feel free to use or distribute the following resources. Please do not place posters on someone's door without their direct knowledge of it.

Self-Screen Visitor Poster for Homes (updated March 20)
Assessment Centre Flyer/Poster

Visitor Restriction Sign – Community Services Use ver1
Visitor Restriction Sign – Community Services Use ver2

Respiratory Hygiene and Cough Etiquette poster - Community or Business

For Business: The Following signs were modified for business use.

Self-Screen Poster for Business
Reminder to Practice Social Distancing
Restrictions for Clients
Restrictions for Shoppers
Restrictions- General

Best Practices – High Touch Cleaning - High Touch Point Cleaning Checklist

Trusted Sources of Information  For more information about COVID-19, contact the Northwestern Health Unit at 1-807-468-7109, to or call TeleHealth at 1-866-797-0000. For further information regarding COVID-19, visit Canada.ca

Northwestern Health Unit
Public Health Agency of Canada COVID-19 information
Government of Canada Travel Advisory
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care COVID-19 information

What are coronaviruses? What is the COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. They can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Some human coronaviruses spread easily between people, while others do not. Your risk of severe disease may be higher if you have a weakened immune system. On December 31, 2019, Chinese health authorities identified a new (or novel) coronavirus(referred to as 2019-nCoV) through a series of reported cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, China.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of coronavirus include: Fever, deep or worsening cough and shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
How can I do?
If you are concerned you have COVID-19 or have come into contact with CONVID-19, you must contact the Northwestern Public Health Unit at 1-807-468-7109 or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. They will evaluate you and determine if you meet the guidelines for testing. For current information regarding COVID-19, visit Canada.ca
Riverside continues to urges the public to practice proactive infection prevention and control measures:
● Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
● Maintain good cough and sneeze etiquette (cough and sneeze into shoulder/upper arm, not your hands)
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
● Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
● Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, as well as refrain from touching unnecessary surfaces while in public.
● Stay home if you are sick

Executive Compensation Framework Program - Final & Approved

RHC Exec Comp Program Govt Final Approved Version 2018

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Riverside Health Care wants to make every encounter with patients and families an opportunity for quality improvement.

Concerns, complaints and compliments are best addressed and resolved at the time and place they occur. If you have a complaint, concern or compliment, contact the person who provided the service or the manager of that area.

If you wish to write your concern, complaint or compliment, please visit our Comments & Feedback page. 

If you are unable to print the brochure, please contact us at (807) 274-4825 or riverside@rhcf.on.ca and provide us with mailing instructions. If you need the information in a more accessible format we can assist you with that as well.