The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) is enhancing its virtual visiting program with the launch of Patient and Family Communication Liaisons (PFCLs); a new role to the organization that will assist patients in connecting virtually with their family and friends throughout their stay in hospital.
Hospital officials say at the outset of the pandemic, CKHA implemented visitor restrictions to ensure the safety of its patients, staff, physicians and the community.
In response to these difficult circumstances for those in hospital, CKHA received a number of electronic devices through a generous donation to facilitate virtual connections for patients and their loved ones.
As visitor restrictions remain in place and evolve in response to the pandemic, a need to enhance virtual visiting options was recognized.
Along with securing additional electronic devices, a new approach in connecting patients virtually with their loves ones through the role of Patient and Family Communication Liaisons (PFCLs) recently launched at the hospital.
CKHA is pleased to welcome Steve Bottrill, Kathryn Kielstra and Kiana Mailloux to the organization as PFCLs.
“We know it’s been very difficult for our patients and their families during this time as our visiting restrictions have become more restrictive in response to the changing needs of the pandemic,” said Lori Marshall, President and CEO, CKHA, in a media release.
“Recognizing this, we are pleased to offer additional virtual visiting options through our Patient and Family Communication Liaisons. This unique role will help our patients with not only technical assistance, but with care and compassion as they facilitate virtual visits.”
The PFCLs are available to support patients and care teams with additional devices seven days per week, hospital officials say.
While the care teams continue to remain responsible for connecting patients with the appropriate designated individuals to provide timely status updates, decision-making or other care concerns, the PFCLs will focus on assisting patients during social visits with their loved ones and friends.
The PFCLs will work with patients throughout all units of the hospital and their care teams to identify virtual care partners and preferred methods of communication (FaceTime, Zoom, phone, etc.) and will provide ongoing assistance throughout patients’ hospital admissions, CKHA officials say.
Additionally, the PFCLs will assist in setting up virtual family meetings at the request of the care team and/or patient, and ensure all electronic devices are charged, sanitized and ready for use.
