Masking FAQ
Masking is still required in infusion areas and the Intensive Care Unit at Sky Lakes Medical Center.
In alignment with Oregon Health Authority’s announcement that masks are no longer required in healthcare settings starting April 3, 2023, Sky Lakes Medical Center has made some changes to onsite masking requirements.
Starting on April 3, Sky Lakes will continue masking requirements for patients, visitors, and employees in select areas only.
With patient safety our top priority we have selected specific sites to help protect against exposure for our most vulnerable patients. The ICU (in patient rooms), CTC Infusion Center, and the Infusion Center will have continued mask requirements for patients, employees, and visitors.
Outside of the three selected sites masks are not required.
Knowing there are high-risk patients in other areas of the hospital, those patients that are immunocompromised or receiving immunosuppressive therapy on the floors, patients, visitors, and employees are required to wear masks when in the patient’s room.
Sky Lakes’ decision to keep masking in specific locations was made for two reasons. First, to protect these extremely vulnerable patients. Second, is to protect the staff.
Because patient comfort and safety are our first priority, we want you to know that you are welcome to ask employees to wear masks when providing care.
Masking kiosks will still be available in areas throughout the hospital for patients, visitors, and employees.
On your next visit look for updated signage to guide you to where masks will be required. Please feel free to ask Sky Lakes personnel for clarification as needed.
The primary goal at Sky Lakes Medical Center is to provide you with the highest quality healthcare with compassion and respect so you can achieve your best possible health. This goal can best be met by working together.
Frequently Asked Questions about Masking Policies for Patients and Guests
Infusion Areas:
Who needs to wear a mask in infusion areas?
Patients, visitors, and employees in infusion areas are required to wear masks.
Can family members still accompany patients during their first infusion?
Yes, family members can still accompany patients during their first infusion, as long as they are not symptomatic, and wear a mask.
ICU:
Where in the ICU are masks required?
Masks are required in ICU patient rooms. Outside of patient rooms masks are not required.
Site Selection:
Why were the three sites selected for extended mask wearing?
With patient safety our top priority we have selected specific sites to help protect against exposure for our most vulnerable patients. The ICU (in patient rooms), CTC Infusion Center, and the Infusion Center will have continued mask requirements for patients, employees, and visitors.
For those patients that are immunocompromised or receiving immunosuppressive therapy on the floors, staff and visitors are required to wear masks when in the patient’s room.
What is the definition we are using for immunocompromised?
The definition of immunocompromised uses diagnoses, labs, and provider preferences. Some examples may include diagnoses such as immunoglobulin deficiencies, most patients and their physicians will request isolation or certain precautions.
All Areas (Hospital, Ambulatory, & Clinics):
Are masks required in areas outside of the three selected sites?
Outside of the three selected sites masks are not required. For those patients that are immunocompromised or receiving immunosuppressive therapy on the floors, patients, visitors, and employees are required to wear masks when in the patient’s room.
Can symptomatic patients visit the clinic or other ambulatory areas?
Yes, symptomatic patients can visit clinics and other ambulatory areas for medical appointments and will need to wear a mask.
Can people visit if they are symptomatic?
Families or visitors should not visit if they are symptomatic.
Mask Wearing:
Can patients requests that staff wear masks?
Because patient comfort and safety are our first priority, we want to create a supportive environment where patients can ask employees to wear masks when providing care.
Will patients, visitors and staff still have access to free PPE?
Masking kiosk will remain in place and continue to be restocked by our Volunteers.
Will signage change to correspond to the updated masking requirements?
Yes, signage will be replaced with update messages to guide patients, visitors and employees.