In light of the evolving situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Northumberland Hills Hospital made the difficult decision on Sunday to limit visitors
Effective now, all patients – both in the Emergency Department in on in-patient wards – will be permitted one visitor at a time.
The press release stated that special considerations may be made on a case-by-case basis for palliative and other patients with special needs. In those cases, it is recommended that children under the age of 16 not visit.
As well, volunteer activities and previously scheduled events like the Northumberland PACE lecture series are being cancelled. The press release acknowledged the vital role community drivers play in supporting patients attending and leaving appointments.
“We will look to our partners in the community to continue to support this service, as they are able, and community drivers supporting patients coming into the facility for care will be permitted as required.”
Information continues to change, and NHH encourages everyone to remain up-to-date by visiting www.nhh.ca. The COVID-19 section is updated daily.
“We appreciate that visitor restrictions will pose difficulties for many of our patients,” the bulletin said.
“This is a necessary step at this time, and we hope it will be short in duration.
“NHH appreciates the important role that visitors play in patients' care journeys, and we look forward to 'bending the curve' of COVID-19 with actions like these. Thank you for your co-operation and support to our care teams at this time.”