ALL ESSENTIAL CAREGIVERS AND VISITORS SHOULD BE VACCINATED

Essential Caregivers and Visitor Guidance

Since COVID-19, the way family and friends support patients in hospitals has changed. We know these changes haven’t been easy for patients or providers. Knowing what to expect when you visit will help us protect our hospital community.

We’ve put together the following Essential Caregiver – Visitor Guidance to help you understand when you can visit SAH, your responsibilities as a essential caregiver – visitor, and important safety tips to follow while in the hospital.

    • Visiting hours will be between 6 am – 10 pm daily (limited visiting hours from 10 pm – 6 am)
    • There will be no visitors allowed on outbreak units
    • All visitors must adhere to the personal protective equipment guidelines directed by staff
    • Families will need to coordinate visits to ensure only the allowed number of visitors are present at the patient’s bedside
    • GUIDANCE FOR OUTPATIENT CLINICS, EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AND DAY SURGERY VISITS: Space in our waiting rooms is prioritized for patients. If space permits, we will support the presence of Essential Caregivers/Visitors in the waiting room. Essential Caregivers/Visitors may be asked to wait outside if the waiting room reaches maximum capacity.

NO VISITORS

Exceptions may be made if the person provides support for the following:

  • a vulnerable patient (under the age of 18, cognitive impairment, significant developmental and/or intellectual disability, unable to effectively communicate)
  • a patient at the end of life

NO VISITORS

Exceptions may be made if the person provides support for the following:

  • a vulnerable patient (under the age of 18, cognitive impairment, significant developmental and/or intellectual disability, unable to effectively communicate)
  • a patient at the end of life

 

  • Two (2) Essential Caregivers/Visitors at the bedside at any given time
  • There is no limit to the total number of Essential Caregivers/Visitors a patient may have, but only two (2) can visit at a time during visiting hours

The maximum number of persons (Essential Caregivers/Visitors) per individual at one time is based on room space; exceptions can be made; please contact your loved one’s care team to discuss your family’s needs.  

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Labour & Delivery:

All support persons for outpatients and patients in labour must be fully vaccinated.

  • Two (2) support person during labour and delivery
  • Post-partum: one (1) person

No other visitors allowed in the program.

Labour and Delivery: For patients with unvaccinated partners, all attempts should be made for an alternative support person who is vaccinated. If there is an extenuating circumstance and there is no alternative fully vaccinated support person available, an exception may be made at the time of admission.

All support people must adhere to the personal protective equipment guidelines directed by staff

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Pediatrics and NICU:

  • Two (2) parents at a time (Only one parent to stay overnight)

No other visitors are allowed in the program

All support people must adhere to the personal protective equipment guidelines directed by staff.

  • One (1) Essential Caregiver/Visitor at the bedside at any given time
  • There is no limit to the total number of Essential Caregivers/Visitors a patient may have, but only one (1) can visit at a time during visiting hours
  • Each outpatient may bring one (1) support person (Essential Caregiver/Visitor).

Essential Caregivers at SAH

An Essential Caregiver is an essential individual chosen by the patient or their Substitute Decision Maker to support them during the hospital stay.  The Essential Caregiver comes to the hospital to assist with daily care of the patient providing comfort, social and cultural interaction, emotional and physical support, as well as speaking on behalf of the patient when they cannot speak.

The Essential Caregiver may be allowed access to the hospital in periods of heightened restriction, when casual visitors may be prohibited.

All Essential Caregivers must be on-boarded through the SAH Essential Caregiver program before they are considered an Essential Caregiver at SAH.  Please, speak with the Leadership Team on your loved one’s unit to discuss if identifying an individual as an Essential Caregiver would be appropriate as part of the patient’s care plan.

Essential Caregivers and Visitors Expectations

Should be fully vaccinated (14-days post-second dose)

  • Be without illness symptoms; individuals with symptoms will not be permitted to visit
  • Follow instructions given by staff; failure to follow instructions may result in a visitor being asked to leave the hospital
  • Maintain 2 metres or 6 feet of physical distance with the patient and others at all times
  • No wandering on the unit or leaving the unit, including accessing common areas of the hospital
  • Families will need to coordinate visits to ensure only the allowed number of visitors are present at the patient’s bedside
  • Wear masks at all times while in the hospital and must wash their hands when entering and leaving a patient’s room
    • Please note that visitors who are exempt from wearing a mask will not be permitted for in-person visits. SAH will accommodate virtual visits in these circumstances. These visitors are asked to contact the appropriate department/area to arrange these virtual visits.

NOTE: The list of reasons for support for a vulnerable patient (e.g. cognitive impairment, significant developmental and/or intellectual disability, unable to effectively communicate, mobility issues) is not an exhaustive list; considerations beyond this list should be discussed with the Care Team.