In December 2021 the Foundation team spoke with Kenneth Smith about the importance of COVID-19 Screeners at the BCHS.
What role do you play at the Brant Community Healthcare System and why are you proud to be part of the BCHS Family?
At the BCHS I am a COVID-19 Screener and have been employed since September 2020. I am proud to work in this role as it allows me to interact and engage with staff, patients, and visitors to the hospital. This occupation allows me to be an ambassador for the hospital, as we are the first point of contact for the public. It is important to note that I am just one of a great team of individuals, all working together for the greater good.
How do screeners provide excellent care?
The screeners at the hospital provide excellent care and service by ensuring that all those entering the hospital are properly and politely screened for COVID symptoms. This in turn allows for the protection of those within and those entering the premises. Principally, we are screeners, but the job also entails aspects of security, guiding and directing patients and visitors, and the job of a porter.
What are the benefits of having your service in the community?
One of the primary benefits of this service is health safety. By minimizing the number of people with possible COVID-19 symptoms from entering the hospital, we are helping reduce the risk of its spread. We provide appropriate PPE as recommended by Infection Control and ensure that people continue to follow all hospital COVID-19 protocols.
Please give an example of a patient story from your area that really made you feel you had provided impactful patient-centered care:
While I was working at the Willett, a mother with an 18-month-old child rushed in screaming “Help me!” I recognized the urgency of the situation and took the child from her, while asking the mother what had happened. She responded that her son had a fever. I alerted the nursing staff of the situation and proceeded to take the infant to an examination room. The nurses attended to the infant, at which time, I withdrew from the setting and turned my attention to the mother who was distraught, offering comfort and reassurance.
Tell us something you don’t think the community knows about Screening at BCHS:
I think the community undervalues the reasons why screeners are necessary, which is to ensure the safety of all and assist them as they navigate through the hospital. They need to understand we are there to help them.
