Staying connected while apart during COVID-19 at Chatham-Kent hospitals is now easier.
Tablets have been donated to let patients at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance connect to their caregivers and loved ones and stay protected during the current pandemic and visitor restrictions.
CKHA Communications Director Fannie Vavoulis said the idea is to bring families together virtually.
"With the strict visitor policy in place, we understand our patients and loved ones still need to connect. With this generous donation and through this technology, our patients will be able to stay in touch with their loved ones during this unprecedented time and our staff be able to connect with patients' caregivers to conduct family meetings virtually," said Lori Marshall, president and CEO.
Vavoulis said the donor wishes to remain anonymous.
There will be one to two tablets set up with video-conferencing tools such as FaceTime, Skype, etc. and will be available at specific units for staff and patients to use to connect with family members who are unable to visit the hospital.
Patients must sign them out and staff will be available to help with set up. For those unfamiliar with using a tablet, guiding resources are available to further assist them.
This initiative provides patients with the ability to stay connected with their families and friends for the much-needed support they receive from them during their healthcare journey.