In order to better maintain the cleanliness of its facilities and protect patients from potential infections, St. Charles Health System will change its pet visitation policy as of October 1 to allow only service animals and approved therapy dogs inside its hospitals and clinics.
This decision is in alignment with national guidelines and standards from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encouraging health care facilities and patients to minimize contact with animal saliva, dander, urine and feces as a matter of infection prevention.
“We have recognized the value of pet visitation and welcomed pets into our facilities for many years, but recently the volume of animals visiting our hospitals has increased and the intention of their presence here has changed,” said Pam Steinke, chief nursing executive and vice president of quality for St. Charles. “We have received many reports of animals exhibiting unsanitary behavior. Pets have at times been aggressive and protective of their owners, making it difficult for our caregivers to provide the care our patients need.”
Many patients and visitors also suffer from allergies to animal dander, making it difficult to accommodate pets within the St. Charles facilities.
St. Charles leaders recognize that relationships with pets are important and can aid in the emotional side of the healing process – but the infection risk posed by animals in a health care setting cannot be ignored. Animals can carry antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria and can pass viruses to humans as well.
“We hope that the community and our patients will understand that we are taking this step to protect them from potential infections,” Steinke said. “Please respect our new policy and leave your pets at home when visiting St. Charles clinics and hospitals.”
About St. Charles Health System
St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates St. Charles Bend, Madras and Redmond, and leases and operates Pioneer Memorial Hospital. It also owns family care clinics in Bend, Prineville, Madras, Redmond and Sisters. St. Charles is a private, not-for-profit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 3,400 caregivers. In addition, there are more than 350 active medical staff members and nearly 200 visiting medical staff members who partner with the health system to provide a wide range of care and service to our communities.
