Information for clients and families

Client Information

The Royal has measures in place to protect your health while you are in our care. While things may be done a bit differently during this time, please know that our team remains dedicated to treating you with care and respect.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Royal has focused on continuing to provide care and support to clients and families in the safest way possible. Many appointments and group activities are taking place virtually. If you have questions about a specific program or service, please contact your care team. 

Outpatient Services

We are conducting most outpatient appointments virtually using secure video-conferencing technology. Read this story to learn more about virtual appointments.     

A limited number outpatient appointments will be conducted in-person. These appointments will be scheduled based on individual clinical needs. If you feel that an in-person appointment is essential to your care, please discuss it with your clinical team. All in-person appointments must be scheduled. 

Here are some things you should know if you are coming in for a scheduled in-person appointment:

You will be required to wear a facemask that covers your nose and mouth.  Please bring your own mask.  If you arrive without one, the hospital will provide you with one.  
  • Visit this Government of Ontario website for information on how to select and use a mask/face covering
On the day before your in-person appointment, you will be called by a member of the care team who will ask you a series of questions to screen for potential exposure to COVID-19. If there is concern that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, your appointment will be rescheduled. When you arrive for your appointment, you will undergo a second screening questionnaire to assess for risk of exposure to COVID-19. If there is concern that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, your appointment will be rescheduled.  

Day programs, outreach services, and drop-in activities

The Royal has suspended all day programs, outreach services, and drop-in activities until further notice. 

  • Please practice physical distancing on your way to your appointment and while in any waiting areas; a staff member will escort you to and from your appointment area. 
  • We ask that you limit your visit to attending your appointment. Amenities like the cafeteria are currently closed to clients. 

 

Visitor Information

The Royal recognizes the important role care partners, families and friends play in the care, quality of life and well-being of our clients. At the same time, we are committed to reducing the risk of exposure to Coronavirus COVID-19 for clients and staff. Due to Ontario’s current state of emergency, in-person visits are not currently permitted at The Royal. If you would like to arrange a virtual visit with your loved one, please contact their treatment team.

Visitor information sheets

 

    Active screening measures are underway

    Anyone entering the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Royal Ottawa Place or the Brockville Mental Health Centre is asked questions about whether they have cold and flu-like symptoms. Anyone experiencing symptoms that could indicate a viral infection will not be allowed to enter the building and may also be asked to follow up with public health or other healthcare professionals.

    If a client who needs mental health care is not allowed to enter the building, their clinical team will work with them to ensure they receive the necessary support in other ways. 

    Click here for CMHA tips to manage mental health during COVID-19

    More Information on Coronavirus

    The Royal is in close contact with Ottawa Public Health, Leeds, Grenville, Lanark District Health Unit and all eastern Ontario hospitals to ensure we are implementing the best practices for infection prevention. 

    For the latest information and updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including information on what to do if you feel you have symptoms, please visit Ottawa Public Health: Novel Coronavirus, Leeds, Grenville, Lanark District Health Unit or the Ontario Ministry of Health website.

    The Ministry of Health has launched an easy-to-use self-assessment tool to help individuals determine if further assessment or testing is needed. This tool provides the province with real-time data on the number and geography of users who are told to seek care, self-isolate or to monitor for symptoms, and will help inform the ongoing response.

    Coronavirus cells on blue background

    How will COVID-19 impact my care?

    Here's what you need to know

    Stop the spread of germs

    The novel coronavirus serves as a reminder of the importance of infection prevention and reducing the spread of germs. These practices will help to reduce the risk of spreading germs that are associated with the novel coronavirus and other viruses at any time of year:

    • Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer when handwashing is not an option 
    • Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm (and practicing hand hygiene after coughing and/or sneezing)
    • Staying home if you are sick or experiencing respiratory symptoms
    • Getting the flu shot
    Woman conversing on a virtual appointment

    Tips for Virtual Appointments

    Read our tip sheet