Niagara Health Continues To Expand Visitor Guidelines at Hospital Sites Across Region

A News Release from Niagara Health, Niagara, Ontario’s amalgamated system of hospitals

Posted March 15^th, 2022 on Niagara At Large

Starting (this past) Monday, March 14th, we are increasing our visitor guidelines to welcome two visitors at the bedside for inpatient units, including Labour and Delivery and NICU.

At this time, there is no change for outpatient, Emergency Department (ED) and Urgent Care Centres (UCC) where patients can continue to bring one person to support them.

We ask patients and their loved ones to review the visitor guidelines before coming to the hospital:

Updated visitor and Essential Care Partner guidelines for inpatient units, Labour and Delivery and NICU

·         Two visitors at the bedside at a time. No restriction on total number of visitors throughout the day.

·         No change to visiting hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

·         Children and youth may visit as long as they are able to wear a mask at all times.

·         Patients may designate up to two Essential Care Partners (ECPs)<https://www.niagarahealth.on.ca/site/essential-care-partners> who can be present 24/7 but need to coordinate with other visitors to ensure only two people are at the bedside at a time.

·         At times, patients are in isolation and unable to accept Essential Care Partners (ECPs) or visitors due to COVID-19. Check with the patient’s unit ahead of your visit to see if your loved one can have a visitor.

No change to guidelines for outpatients

·         Patients can bring one person with them per visit for the duration of their stay.

No change to guidelines for ED and UCC

·         Patients can have one person with them at a time. Depending on the duration of the patient’s visit, this person can swap with another person if needed.

All our infection prevention and control measures will stay in place to maintain a safe environment and must be followed by everyone – screening for COVID-19, wearing a mask at all times, physical distancing, hand hygiene, no eating or drinking inside. This includes individuals who have been vaccinated.

We strongly recommend full vaccination against COVID-19. Visitors must pass COVID-19 screening before entering the hospital; however, proof of vaccination is no longer required.

Visit our website for Visitor Information<https://www.niagarahealth.on.ca/site/visitorinformation> and learn about programs for family and loved ones to support patients.

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