(Kahnawake – 30, Onerahtókha/April 2020) The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) offers its sincerest condolences to the families of the three (3) Inpatient Care residents who passed away recently. KMHC understands the hardships that the current pandemic places on all our hearts at this time.
KMHC reassures the community that the three deaths were unrelated to the pandemic. Both patients were COVID-19 negative and had no COVID-19 RELATED symptoms. The hospital center remains extremely vigilant in its efforts to keep its environment safe with the strict policies and procedures that have been put in place for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Palliative care services remain in function and have been modified to follow proper COVD-19 precautions. KMHC continues to offer both western medical-style palliative care, and traditional palliative care.
The current protocol during this pandemic allows for one (1) family member at a time to grieve with their loved one for a set amount of time. The main goal is to provide comfort to both the resident and the family in the best way possible. All the aid normally provided by KMHC for the resident remains in place, the only difference is in the limit to family member visitations during these times.
Also, those who wish Traditional style palliative care, this will be done working with Tekanonhkwatsherané:ken/Two Medicines Working Side by Side; a traditional medicine helper and one (1) family member will be present to do the tobacco burning ceremony. The goal is to help uplift the mind and spirit of the resident, with the aid of the creator. Tekanonhkwatsherané:ken is willing to do whatever is possible, with what is available while respecting the safety protocols in place for COVID-19.
KMHC thanks the community for their patience and understanding during these trying times.
Nia:wen’kowa
