Screening: Keeping our patients and the public safe

Screening is a practice that was established in Saskatchewan Health Authority facilities since the beginning of the pandemic to adhere to the public health order and ensure safe entry.

At Royal University Hospital (RUH), located in Saskatoon, the first stop in the screening process is an SHA Protective Services Officer. Behind the officer are two screening stations. At the first station, your temperature will be checked by a thermal camera, you will be asked to exchange your current mask for a clean medical grade mask and sanitize your hands.

When screening at this station is complete, you will move on to the second screening area. The entrance attendants that work at these stations assist designated family support persons wishing to see or support a patient. These stations use a pre-existing program that SHA uses for patient locating in acute care. Non-valuable packages for patients can also be dropped off at these stations and will be delivered to the units.

Christine, the manager of the screening departments at the four acute care sites in Saskatoon, came from Public Health and Surgical Booking. She was familiar with scheduling and has a strong background in client service. Last summer, the department was created to ensure the patient and family centered care model was focused on during the pandemic restrictions.  There are 55 full-time and part time staff and 10 casual staff across the acute sites.

“We realize there may be a few distressed people that come to the screening stations. Sometimes lending an ear is all they need,” says Christine. “Though we are compassionate and respectful, we do run a tight ship to keep our patients, staff and the public safe.”