William Osler Health System (Osler) is committed to doing everything possible to protect everyone who enters its sites against respiratory illnesses such as Influenza, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Like many other Ontario hospitals, Osler is re-instating a required masking policy in all patient-facing areas across its facilities, effective Tuesday, October 10.
As a health care system caring for some of the most vulnerable in our communities, Osler is a mask friendly organization and masks continue to be available throughout its facilities. In response to increasing cases of respiratory illnesses, all staff, physicians, volunteers, learners, patients, visitors and Essential Care Partners, contractors and vendors will be required to wear a hospital-issued mask in all patient-facing areas when in direct contact with patients, such as inpatient and outpatient areas, and all outpatient waiting rooms including Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centre.
Masking will continue to be encouraged in all other non-clinical and public areas, such as hallways, cafeterias and break rooms, elevators, as well as nursing stations.
Like all policies and practices, the need for masking will be subject to ongoing evaluation for the protection of Osler’s patients, visitors, staff, physicians and volunteers, and will be revisited if needed.
Currently, there is no change to Osler’s Visitor and Essential Care Partner Policy.
The community is reminded to self-screen and not visit loved ones in the hospital if feeling unwell. To stay up to date on Osler’s masking policy and Visitors and Essential Care Partners policy, visit www.williamoslerhs.ca/visiting-us.
ABOUT WILLIAM OSLER HEALTH SYSTEM and FOUNDATION: William Osler Health System (Osler) is a leading hospital system serving more than 1.3 million people in Brampton, North Etobicoke, Caledon and surrounding communities – one of the most culturally diverse, fastest growing areas in Ontario. Accredited with Exemplary Standing, Accreditation Canada’s highest rating for a Canadian hospital, Osler includes Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital, Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness (Peel Memorial), a Reactivation Care Unit and a Withdrawal Management Centre. Building on a legacy of clinical excellence and innovation, Osler is planning for the future with transformative developments, including the new Peel Memorial Hospital and as the primary clinical partner for Toronto Metropolitan University’s new School of Medicine in Brampton. William Osler Health System Foundation seeks to create a healthier community through giving by inspiring its communities to invest in exceptional health care close to home. Learn more about how Osler is going beyond to deliver exemplary people-centred care at www.williamoslerhs.ca.