Hi everyone. Jenny, one of your Child Life Specialists
here. I know lots of things are changing in the community these days. I'm sure
you've heard from your family or your parents that even when they go to the
grocery store, lineups are different, people are wearing masks, and just all
around environments are looking a little different. We hope not to have to see you
here at the hospital, but we thought just in case, we'd give you a tour of some of
the changes happening here at McMaster Children's Hospital. So, let's go. We'll
take a walk. One of the first things you will notice when you arrive at the
hospital is that there are only three entrances. If coming to the emergency
department, you can enter through those doors. The other entrances are the main
doors and the yellow elevators. Here you will notice screening stations. You will
be greeted by a staff member who sits in the screening station. It is their job to
screen all visitors and patients coming into the hospital so we can make sure
everyone is safe. Another way we help keep people safe is by
putting visitor restrictions in place, which is why you will only be able to
bring one caregiver with you when you come to the hospital. When you arrive
through the Emergency Department, you will notice that as you check in, the
desk has a new plexiglass screen in front of it. This is how we help prevent
the spread of germs. You'll also notice that the Emergency Department is now
divided into zones. This way, we can direct you to where you need to be based
on why you're here and get you seen as soon as possible. Throughout the hospital
you'll see markings on the floor directing you where to stand - like stop
signs or red tape. Here you can see I'm checking in at 3Z. You will also notice
staff members wearing masks, hiding their smiles. Some areas will also have
plexiglas in front of a desk or counter, just like we saw in the Emergency
Department. The first floor cafeteria is closed, but don't worry, the staff on the
second floor at the Corner Cafe are happy to serve you. The eating area
outside the Corner Cafe is closed - it's reserved for an area for staff to eat.
Just like in the community, we have also needed to close our shops, the teen
lounge, and play spaces in the Ronald McDonald rooms. It's important that we
don't gather in groups, and closing them makes it easier to do.
It also allows our staff to focus cleaning efforts in other needed areas
of the hospital. Just like when school was stopped and they needed to think of
doing things differently, and now your school is online. Here at the hospital, we
need to think about how we can do things differently too, so you'll notice on 3C
there are no staff, the hallways are very clean and shiny. As 3C is now ready to
help out other sites who might need extra beds. A few extra surprises are
also in place to help make your stay during this time a little easier. One
thing you won't notice in the building, but you will notice if you turn on your
phone, is that there's free Wi-Fi. So, be sure to check out your Wi-Fi networks
for the free HHS Wi-Fi. Lastly, when you leave, you'll notice that the parking
garage looks a little different. There are certainly less cars, that's for sure.
The red section is closed off because, just like visitors and patients, staff
can only enter one way and must be screened.
You also notice that the arm is up and parking is free. Here at the hospital
things are always changing, for example, this mask. When I started filming
this video, I wasn't required to wear a mask when I
came to work, but now I am and now other staff are too. So, that's just
another way we're working to keep you safe. And, another thing that you may
notice that has changed around here. You may notice some staff wearing badges
with their pictures on it. This is because we don't want you to forget our
smiling faces behind these masks. Well, I hope that this video gave you an inside
glimpse of what changes may have happened since you've been here last, and
although we hope not to have to see you here, if we do, now you know what to
expect. In the meantime, thanks so much for doing your part, staying home and
keeping safe. Be sure to get outside and enjoy the beautiful spring weather and
we'll see you soon. Take care. Bye bye.