New restrictions have just been announced for Niagara hospitals.
Niagara Health says that as cases of COVID-19 increase in the hospital and in the community, it is important that they maintain a safe environment for staff, physicians, patients and families so in an effort to reduce traffic in the hospital and minimize the spread of COVID-19, they are implementing new restrictions for visitors, support persons and Essential Care Partners starting tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 28, 12:01 a.m. at which time:
• They will not permit visitors into the hospital;
• Essential Care Partners (ECPs) must be fully vaccinated and will only be permitted at the bedside with patients with a length of stay of seven days or more;
• Support persons will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances.
“We regret the inconvenience this will cause patients and their loved ones, but these measures are needed for everyone’s safety,” says Linda Boich, Executive Vice President, Quality and Mental Health & Addictions, Executive Lead, Integrated Care. “We recognize the importance of patients having support on their care journey and look forward to lifting restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so. We thank the community for their understanding and co-operation.”
Niagara Health says they regularly reviewsand update safety measures based on COVID-19 activity to ensure the hospital remains a safe environment.
Please see Appendix below for details.
APPENDIX: VISITOR, SUPPORT PERSON and ESSENTIAL CARE PARTNER GUIDELINES
Inpatients:
ECPs (designated by the patient and care team in advance) will be permitted at the bedside with patients with a length of stay of seven days or more. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required in order for ECPs to enter the hospital. No support persons permitted except in certain circumstances. Exceptionality will be determined by the clinical team for the following patients:
End of life;
Children under 18;
Cognitive impairment/dementia/developmental disability;
Labour and delivery.
Outpatients:
No support person permitted. Exceptionality will be determined by the clinical team for the following patients:
Children under 18;
Cognitive impairment/dementia/developmental disability;
Physical impairment (ie walker, wheelchair);
Oncology diagnosis.
Emergency Department/Urgent Care Centre:
No support person permitted. Exceptionality will be determined by the clinical team for:
Life-Altering Circumstances
o Trauma;
o End of life;
o Early pregnancy complications and loss;
o Altered level of consciousness.
Vulnerable Patients
o Children under 18;
o 80 years of age and older;
o Cognitive impairment/dementia/developmental disability;
o Physical impairment (ie walker, wheelchair);
o Language barrier.
Mental Health Crisis
For further updates on visitor guidelines, how to become an Essential Care Partner, and other COVID-19 related information, please visit their website HERE.
