A message from Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation

New Westminster, B.C. – {Updated March 20, 2020} – In support of efforts throughout the world to address the spread of COVID-19, our priority continues to be the health, safety, and well-being of our employees, supporters, hospital family, and patients.

As the situation evolves, we are fortunate that our communities have access to the excellent advice of our local health experts. These include Fraser Health, the BC Centre for Disease Control, the BC government, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

We are all encouraged to do what we can to look after one another. By taking measures that help slow down the transmission of COVID-19, we can help our healthcare system continue to support those who need care.

As a starting point, we can each follow the BC government’s advice:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Using soap and water is the single most effective way of reducing the spread of infection
• If a sink is not available, alcohol based hand rubs (ABHR) can be used to clean your hands as long as they are not visibly soiled. If they are visibly soiled, use a wipe and then ABHR to effectively clean them
• Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Follow good respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow when you sneeze or cough
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
• Do not share food, drinks, utensils, etc.
• Avoid crowded public spaces and places. Examples include mass gatherings, such as concerts and sporting events. Examples do not include hospitals (for healthcare workers) and schools
• Maintain social distancing by keeping at least a 2-metre distance between yourself and others
• Avoid shaking hands

At the advice of our health officials, Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation is taking appropriate measures.

This includes moving the Foundation to a work-from-home plan. The Foundation office at the hospital will for the time being no longer be open as usual during regular business hours, but as much as possible our foundation staff will work off-site as long as it is advisable to do so. As well, we have postponed a number of public events for March and April in step with the advice of health officials.

Under these new circumstances, we will continue our regular business in service of the hospital. Since Royal Columbian cares for some of the province’s most seriously ill and injured patients, the Foundation gladly will take measures that support the well-being of everyone. We are working closely with Fraser Health to ensure decisions are in line with the best advice available and are appropriate to the current situation.

We have committed to helping the hospital however we can. As our front line healthcare providers face the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19, Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation is focusing our efforts on helping to ensure they have the resources and support they need.

We have created a COVID-19 Response Fund to cover the costs of a variety of things like food, accommodation, and transportation for frontline healthcare providers during this demanding time. We are working closely with the hospital to identify and meet additional needs as they arise.

They have always taken care of us. It’s our turn to take care of them.

To donate to the COVID-19 Response Fund and support our frontline caregivers, click here.

We also recognize there is uncertainty and many questions remaining, and we will do our part to deliver you the information you need as we work together during this time.

Please reach out should you have any questions, and thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Jeff Norris
President and CEO
Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation