New Visiting Policy Effective April 11, 2022
April 11, 2022
Effective April 11, 2022, non-essential (social) visiting will allow for 2 designated visitors per patient stay with 2 patient visits per day, maintaining only one visitor at the bedside at a time for Acute Care patients. Visiting hours are between the hours of 2-7pm. The length of the visit will be based on the patient’s needs.
At this time, existing visitor restrictions will remain in place for the Emergency Department, Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory and Surgical Services. Patients must come alone unless the patient is a child or requires a support person. If an exception is made, only one (1) support person per patient will be permitted.
In addition, non-essential visitors are required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (at least 2 doses) to enter the hospital, unless they have an approved medical exemption.
This policy does not apply to patients. Anyone who needs medical care, or has an appointment, should not delay, regardless of vaccination status.
Acceptable proof of vaccination is the Ontario Ministry of Health vaccination receipt (digital or a paper copy) or the Ontario Enhanced Vaccine Certificate. One piece of government issued photo identification must also be provided. Full vaccination is achieved 14 days after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
If a patient is eligible for Essential Caregiver visits for compassionate reasons, these visitors will not be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination but must follow all of the Infection Control processes as outlined above. Some of these exceptional circumstances include;
• Patient is a child
• Patient is at end of life
• Patient is in labour
• Patient has accessibility needs
Individualized care plans will continue to be developed for palliative care patients and all other exceptional circumstances will be managed on a case-by-case basis.
The front entrance continues to be closed. All patient must enter through the Emergency Department entrance.
All visitors will need to complete and pass the required screening process, wash their hands with alcohol based hand sanitizer and wear a mask upon entry to ensure a safe hospital experience.
Masks must be worn at all times while in the hospital including the patient’s bedside and food and drink are not permitted for visitors.