Indications about the use of the masks
In consideration of the clinical conditions and fragility of patients at the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute and in relation to the current scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic, below you can find the indications regarding the use of the masks for the access to the Hospital and health facilities.
1. Obligation to use the mask
Inside the Institute the use of the masks remains mandatory (surgical mask or higher filtering capacity) within:
- all hospital departments
- Emergency room (including waiting room)
- all clinics (Clinic, Monobloc Hospital and New Building)
- all waiting rooms for people with respiratory symptoms.
Please note that there is no obligation to wear the respiratory protection device for:
- children under the age of 6
- people with pathologies or disabilities incompatible with the use of the mask, as well as persons who must communicate with a person with disabilities so that they cannot make use of the device.
2. Recommended use of the mask
The use of the mask is recommended for operators, companions and users within all waiting rooms related to health services for those who do not have respiratory symptoms (except waiting room of Emergency room where the obligation remains).
3. Unnecessary use of the mask
At all other areas of the structure not included in the types described, including common areas and locations of non health activities (e.g. hospital entrance, monumental space, administrative offices, research center, etc.), it is not necessary to use the mask (except for those with respiratory symptoms).
Additional provisions for access by visitors and accompanying persons
1. Visitors/companions at departments
Visitors. Is allowed to outside visitors at hospital ward. Visitor has to wear the proper mask and to sanitize hands before entering the department during the scheduled time for the visit.
Companions/caregivers. It is possible the presence of an accompanying person/caregiver in case the patient needs it (e.g. minors or persons with serious disabilities certified according to law 104/92).
2. Visitors/companions at PEDIATRIC ward
In paediatric wards it is possible to remain constantly with patients.
3. Visitors/companions patients in isolation for COVID-19
In the isolation rooms for positive patients at SARS-cov-2, visits are permitted if authorized by the Health Department that decides in which modalities, days and duration should be done according to the patient’s condition and specific needs.
4. Companions at EMERGENCY ROOM
In the waiting areas of the Emergency Department, access is granted to one companion per patient. The use of the masks remains mandatory within Emergency room (including waiting room).
The stay of companions/caregivers of minors, severely disabled (pursuant to art. 3, paragraph 3, Law 104/1992), patients bedridden, language barriers, is always guaranteed.