Lakeridge Health informed that effective August 13th, two designated family members/partners-in-care will be able to visit their loved one in an inpatient unit.
The visit has to be arranged in advance by calling the unit.
Only one family member/partner-in-care will be able attend the hospital per visit in order to give all inpatients the opportunity to see their loved one, practice physical distancing and to maintain the safest possible environment for everyone, said a Lakeridge Health advisory,
The outpatient programs will continue to follow the visitor exceptions which were effective on June 12, 2020. These exceptions are:
- Birthing partner of a woman in labour
- Pediatric patient
- Patients who have a cognitive impairment or mental health condition and escalating behaviours requiring an attendant or support person
- Patients who have a physical or intellectual disability and require an attendant or support person
- For patients where English is not their primary language and there is a significant language barrier preventing the ongoing provision of safe and effective care
- Patients who experience a significant deterioration in their condition
All visits must be scheduled in advance by speaking to a member of the healthcare team on the unit. Before booking, staff will outline key information over the phone to help prepare for the scheduled visit.
Please do not schedule a visit if you are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms, have been exposed to someone with Covid-19 or travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days, said the advisory.
Lakeridge Health clarified that the physician and healthcare team may not be available during the family member/partner-in-care’s scheduled visit to the hospital. However, families and partners-in-care can follow up in a phone call about patient updates.
There are time restrictions when visiting. “It is our priority to ensure that all inpatient’s have an equal opportunity to see their loved ones, while adhering to safety protocols to keep everyone safe. In order to physically distance, there is a need to limit the volumes of visitors in each care area. As a result, we will be scheduling 45-60-minute visits. There may be exceptions when inpatients will be granted a visitor for a longer duration,” the advisory said.
Personal items for a patient may be dropped off to the screening centres at any of the hospitals. A family/partner-in-care will not be permitted to enter past the screening entrance unless they have booked a scheduled visit.
Eating and drinking is not permitted at any time during the visit as masks must be worn by the visitor and patient (whenever possible) at all times.