St. Joe’s institutes no-visitor policy at their Hamilton hospitals

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Published March 20, 2020 at 12:58 pm

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) will no longer allow visitors at their hospitals as of Friday (March 20), in its ongoing effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) will no longer allow visitors at their hospitals as of Friday (March 20), in its ongoing effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to protect the public, patients, staff and physicians from the potential transmission of the COVID-19 virus, effective March 20, 2020, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton is implementing a no visitor policy,” the health-care provider says on its website.

There are a few exceptions to the rule including partners of women in labour and loved ones of patients who are dying. Other exceptions might be made but they will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

“While this new policy is in place, we encourage all families to designate a point person who will connect with the patient’s care team for consistent communication,” St. Joe’s advises.

In recent days, SJHH has implemented a number of measures to help limit the spread of the virus.

They’ve introduced strict screening measures of their physicians, staff and visitors and have suspended all elective surgeries and non-emergency clinics.

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) have also introduced similar measures at their Hamilton hospitals and has even told staff returning from travel that they must self-isolate for upwards of 14 days.

HHS has instituted strict visiting policies which allows for only one visitor per patient in their hospitals at a time and they must be 18 years of age or older. Again, they have a couple of exceptions but they have yet to prohibit visitors.

At a media briefing Thursday, HHS and SJHH officials said they were reassessing their precautionary measures on a day-by-day basis.

As of Friday morning, there are 23 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hamilton. Most patients are self-isolating at home but two have been hospitalized.

UPDATE: HHS announced this morning that they too will no longer allow visitors at their hospitals. Below are their restrictions:

· A pediatric patient being tested for COVID-19 or is a confirmed case

One parent/caregiver can be present. They must remain in the same room with the child, and wear appropriate PPE. This must be the same person for the duration of the patient’s stay. Hospital meals will be provided to the parent, to support the need for them to remain in the room.

· Ambulatory Clinics and Areas

One family member/caregiver is permitted if they are essential to support a patient to an appointment.

· Emergency Department

One family member/caregiver is permitted if they are essential to support a patient in the ED. The team will determine length of stay of the visitor.

· Patients Attending for Surgery or Other Procedures

One accompanying family/member/caregiver is permitted, if they are essential to support the patient to the preparation area, and then for pick up, if necessary, beyond the hospital entrance. For unique situations, the team may determine if waiting on the premises is allowed.

· Patients who are pregnant or in labour

One accompanying family member/caregiver will be permitted to support the patient.

· On rare instances, a clinical manager or delegate may consider more than one visitor, such as in end of life situations, taking all precautions to reduce risk of infection spread.

Any Family Member/Caregiver who has failed entrance screening questions are not permitted to visit.

Photo courtesy Hamilton Health Sciences’ Facebook page

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