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SMH Begins Journey Towards Adopting 24 Hour Family Presence

 

New Tecumseth – November 2, 2016 – Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is on the journey towards implementing a Family Presence policy which will allow family members (as defined by the patient) to visit their loved ones 24/7. 

SMH endeavours to put patients at the centre of all that we do and is fully committed to transforming culture at the hospital to one which lives and breathes Patient-and-Family Centered Care. “Every patient has a right to expect the best possible experience while at SMH,” says Carrie Jeffreys, SMH CNO and VP. “This can be positively impacted by having loved ones present and involved in patient care. Positively changing our culture at Stevenson will become an imperative building block as we move forward with our plans to revitalize and expand SMH. New hospitals have to be more than just bricks and mortar – they ultimately have to provide high-quality, safe care and that can only be done by partnering with patients.”

Flexible visiting hours was identified by SMH’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) as a top priority when they formed in 2015. SMH recognizes the integral part families play as part of the care team. The number of visitors present at the bedside will be decided in collaboration with the care team, patient and family.

“Nobody knows a patient better than their loved ones”, says Steve Lange, PFAC Co-Chair. “Patients and their families should have the opportunity to visit together based on their needs and schedules. 24/7 family visitation is an important step forward in Patient-and-Family Centered Care.”

Stevenson Memorial is a vibrant, fully-accredited hospital located in the Town of New Tecumseth, serving the South Simcoe region. We endeavor to help ensure that the residents of our communities can access safe, quality care where and when they need it.

 Stevenson Memorial: We champion your care… every step of the way.