Photo: Robert Ferris talks to his wife through FaceTime on an iPad at Windsor Regional Hospital. Photo courtesy of Windsor Regional Hospital.
By Devan Mighton – Originally published in the LaSalle Post, Tecumseh Shoreline Week, and Lakeshore News on April 17, 2020.
(WINDSOR, ON) – Tales of families pulled apart across the United States and Europe provide for shocking news on television and social media. News of the triage of ventilators, people isolated with no one to hold their hand or say goodbye to, all so harrowing.
In Canada, we are trying to learn the lessons of our peers as we combat the COVID-19 with social distancing, the closing of schools and non-essential workplaces, and the ramping up of production of PPE and ventilators.
But what of those who are already in care?
Whether they have contracted COVID-19 or are in the hospital for other reasons, strict quarantine measures are keeping loved ones separate.
To answer their needs, the Windsor Regional Hospital has created a program where families can now arrange FaceTime conferences with their loved ones who are in care.
“The Patient Relations/Legal Affairs Department recognized how difficult it would be for patients and families to be apart once the visitor restrictions tightened up,” says Jordyn Liebman, a temporary COVID-19 helper at Windsor Regional Hospital.
“They came up with this great idea and I’m so happy that I get to be a part of it.
“It’s been such a great experience being involved in connecting patients with their loved ones. This would be a great initiative for every hospital, long-term care home, and retirement home to have.”
Liebman is a graduate of the University of Windsor nursing program and is now studying law at the University of Western Ontario.
“A few weeks ago, my classes were cancelled and then moved online when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic,” she recalls. “I’m originally from Windsor, so as soon as classes moved online, I moved back home. I knew I would have a more flexible schedule once classes moved online and wanted to be able to use the skills I developed from my education in nursing to help out in my community, so I reached out to Windsor Regional to see if there was anything I could do to help.”
Liebman worked for the Patient Relations/Legal Affairs Department two summers ago and she has been back helping for over three weeks now.
“The department is incredible and works so hard to make the hospital experience as positive as it can be for both patients and families.”
The program was made possible by the donation of 15 iPads by local philanthropist Jasmine Jasey and The Job Shoppe president and CEO Meighen Mehme.
“Unfortunately strict visitor restrictions are important to minimize the spread of COVID-19,” says Liebman. “It’s been very hard for patients and families to be separated while their loved ones are in the hospital.
“We are so fortunate to have the technology to allow patients to see their loved ones’ faces. It seems to be a comfort for family members to be able to see their loved one, to see how they’re doing, to see the room the patient is in, and even to see the face of the nurse taking care of their friend or family.”
Unfortunately, a lot of patients do not normally have this kind of access to technology. This program is here to help.
“Many patients don’t have phones, iPads, or tablets, and other patients need help using them,” explains Liebman. “Some patients don’t know that video-chatting is an option. Even if a patient comes in with a phone capable of FaceTiming, they might need help connecting to the hospital WiFi, downloading a video-chat app, or using the app.
“Video-chatting has already helped so many patients who are impacted by the necessary visitor restrictions.”
As of this week, there have already been dozens of scheduled FaceTime sessions.
“The reception has been awesome!” exclaims Liebman. “Patients and families are so happy to see their loved ones and to be with them. Some families are surprised and so grateful that Windsor Regional has started this program.”
A wonderful distraction
For many, it is a wonderful distraction and a break from their hospital routine.
“Many patients tell me that they are lonely and bored while they are in hospital and video chatting helps them feel connected to their normal lives and helps them keep up with what their families on the outside are doing,” she says.
“It makes a big difference in their hospital experience and their recovery.
“In unprecedented times like these, we can’t forget the importance of mental health. A person’s mental health plays a big role in a person’s physical recovery and health.”
If your loved one is in hospital is unable to arrange communication with their family on their own, you can contact Jordyn Liebman at 226-759-7989 or email Jordyn.Liebman@wrh.on.ca
Devan Mighton 