Infection Control Procedures

As of November 23, 2022

We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of the children and youth we serve, our employees and our community while minimizing the disruption to the services our clients need. Niagara Children’s Centre serves many children who have an increased vulnerability to infection.

In alignment with recommendations of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and Niagara Region Public Health, Niagara Children’s Centre has updated its protocols related to infection control. This update is in an effort to curb the spread of the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that has been on the rise in recent weeks. By wearing a mask, and working together, we can help protect everyone, including the most vulnerable in our communities – the very young, the very old, and those with underlying medical issues.

Please refer to the Visiting the Centre section below for updates related to masking, general health, hand washing/sanitizing, personal protective equipment (PPE) and rescheduling or cancelling of scheduled appointments.

Visiting the Centre or a Satellite Site

Masking Policy: Clients (age 5 and older) and their caregiver will be required to wear a mask when onsite for an appointment. We ask that you bring your own mask, however if you do not have one, one will be provided.

Exceptions:

• Children (5 and over) who cannot tolerate a mask.
• Adults who cannot tolerate a mask due to medical conditions.

Please speak to the person scheduling your appointment or the receptionist if an exception needs to be made.

We understand that wearing a mask is a personal choice.If you choose not to wear a mask, please contact your therapist in advance of your appointment so that alternative arrangements can be explored, such as a virtual session.
Our employees will continue to wear masks and, where necessary, personal protective equipment (PPE) during appointments or programs at the Centre. 

We ask that you do not attend your appointment if you or your child receiving treatment are feeling unwell. This includes a range of symptoms arising from cold, flu, COVID or RSV, or any other illness such as: fever/chills, new or worsening cough, difficulty breathing, decrease or loss of taste of smell, congestion, headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches/joint pain or gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Handwashing/ Sanitizing: Clients and visitors will be asked to sanitize their hands upon arrival and when leaving the Centre. All employees are following our handwashing/sanitizing procedures, including before and after each client appointment.

Please contact us as soon as possible to cancel your in-person appointment, if your child, or the caregiver who is attending your child’s appointment is feeling unwell. If possible, we can reschedule this appointment to a virtual session.

905 688 3550 (General Inquiries) 
905 688 1890 (Direct inquiries; you can find a staff directory here)

Vaccination Policy: We continue to require that all employees, contracted providers, students and volunteers be vaccinated.

We will continue to monitor COVID and follow recommendations of Niagara Region Public Health or other directives.

Niagara Children’s Centre’s Vaccination Requirement in Full Effect as of November 5, 2021

We take our commitment to safety, including protecting our clients and our co-workers from the risk of infections and transmission of infectious diseases seriously. As of November 5, all employees and volunteers must be fully vaccinated, unless valid medical exemption is provided.

We are proud to share that at this time, 97% of employees are meeting our requirement, and we expect that number to rise in the coming weeks. The policy also ensures that any newly hired employees, volunteers and students must be fully vaccinated or medically exempt, along with any contractors or 3rd party vendors entering our building.

The majority of Niagara Children’s Centre’s clients cannot be vaccinated and many have medical complexities. The safety of our clients and families remains our top priority, and as such all employees, visitors and volunteers, regardless of vaccination status are still required to wear personal protective equipment. Enhanced cleaning protocols remain in place and active screening for employees, visitors and clients remains in effect.

We are not requiring proof of vaccination or testing for clients, parents or caregivers attending appointments. We do still require masking as per our policy, and we are continuing to allow only one caregiver to attend per visit. We thank everyone for their patience as we continue to adapt to this ongoing pandemic.

Stay healthy and stay safe,
Oksana Fisher, CEO