Due to the restrictions on visitations at Saskatchewan healthcare facilities, the staff members at St. Joseph’s Hospital have started utilizing Facetime to allow patients to communicate with their families.
An iPad mounted on a repurposed IV stand serves as the mechanism to provide communication.
“Using Facetime we are able to link the patient to their family and allow for visitation to occur,” said St. Joseph’s Hospital executive director Greg Hoffort.
The equipment allows a touch-free process, thereby maintaining a sterile environment. Equipment can be easily cleaned between patient visits.
The communication is being facilitated by the St. Joseph’s recreation staff and spiritual care manager Marian Huber.
“The communication with family is so important to both patients and family and the use of technology has been very well received from both patients and family members” said Huber.
St. Joseph’s Hospital will continue to assist with patient family communication as long as necessary during this difficult time. The hospital says it is very pleased that employees have made this communication possible when personal visits simply cannot be accommodated.
This week’s edition of Southeast Lifestyles will have more on this story.
