There are no current outbreaks at SAH.
Essential Caregivers and Visitor Guidance
Sault Area Hospital (SAH) respects and values friends and families of patients as integral partners in providing excellent patient care. We recognize family members and loved ones are important to the healing and overall well-being of our patients. As such, the presence of visitors continues to be a priority to support patients coming for care at SAH.
Our Compassionate Person-Centered Care philosophy differentiates between Visitors and Essential Caregivers. We recognize that Visitors and Essential Caregivers are a great resource and comfort to our patients’ which improve quality of life and their experience in care.
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 8:30 am – 8:30 pm daily (Exceptions may be made in rare circumstances.)
- There will be no visitors allowed on outbreak units. From time to time, further visiting restrictions may be required, with little notice (such as in a case of a patient’s change in condition). We will endeavor to meet visitor needs during these times.
- 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.
- Visitors (including children) who demonstrate disruptive behavior will be limited in their ability to visit.
- Visitors’ eating and drinking in the patient rooms is not allowed.
- GUIDANCE FOR OUTPATIENT CLINICS 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.
COVID-19 Suspect or COVID-19 Confirmed Patients [No Visitors]
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
Emergency Department [No Visitors]
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
ICU or Palliative - 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.
Women & Children's Health Program
Labour & Delivery:
- Triage: One (1) person until admitted to labour
- Labour: Two (2) support persons (same) during labour and delivery
- Post-partum: One (1) support persons at a time from the Two (2) support persons during labour and delivery
No other visitors allowed in the program.
All support people must adhere to the personal protective equipment guidelines directed by staff
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Paediatrics and NICU:
- Paediatrics: Two (2) parents + one (1) designated support person; two (2) individuals only at a time. Only one parent to stay overnight.
- NICU: Two (2) parents.
- Grandparents may also visit one (1) at a time with one of the parents. Two (2) individual only at a time in the NICU.
No other visitors are allowed in the program
All support people must adhere to the personal protective equipment guidelines directed by staff.
General Medicine, Surgical Departments, Post Acute, Mental Health, Long-term Palliative (unable to go home)
- One (1) Visitor at the bedside at any given time. Additionally, an Essential Caregiver may be present.
- There is no limit to the total number of Essential Caregivers/Visitors a patient may have.
Outpatient Clinics
- Each outpatient may bring one (1) support person (Essential Caregiver/Visitor).
SAH Masking Policy for Members of the Public
Patients/Clients
Patients/Clients MUST wear a mask or face covering upon entering Sault Area Hospital or SAH community-based locations.
Patients/Clients are NOT required to wear a mask in the following circumstances:
1. The patient has a valid mask exemption; AND/OR
2. Admitted patients while in their assigned room; however, they must don a hospital-provided mask when leaving their assigned room for any reason; AND/OR
3. Temporary removal of the mask or face covering is permitted where necessary for the following purposes:
a. Actively engaging in an athletic or fitness activity, including water-based activities; OR
b. Consuming food or drink; OR
c. For any emergency or medical purpose.
Visitors/Essential Caregivers
Everyone (all members of the public and HCWs) must wear a mask or face covering upon entering Sault Area Hospital or SAH community-based locations.
Everyone will be provided with a hospital-approved surgical/procedural mask to wear while in the hospital. Masks will be available near all exterior entrances and nursing stations.
The mask must cover the nose, mouth and chin.
General Essential Caregivers and Visitor Information
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.
Visitors at SAH
A Visitor is a guest or family of the patient who have not been identified by the patient as the Essential Caregiver and may or may not be the Substitute Decision Maker (SDM).
Essential Caregivers and Visitors Expectations
- 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
- Families will need to coordinate visits to ensure only the allowed number of visitors are present at the patient’s bedside
- Must wash their hands when entering and leaving a patient’s room
Wear a mask when additional occupational health or infection prevention and control measures are in place
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.
Self-Screening
Please do not visit the hospital if you or your children have any of the following: new or worsening cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, severe headaches, unexplained muscle aches, unexplained extreme fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes.