By Cecilia Nasmith
On Monday, Northumberland Hills Hospital made the difficult decision to further restrict visiting, effective immediately, in response to rising COVID-19 numbers in and around the community.
Out of an abundance of caution, screeners at the Main and Emergency Department entrances have been directed to permit only the following for admitted patients who are COVID-negative: birth partners and end-of-life visits as determined by the health-care team and/or most-responsible provider.
Visiting continues to be on hold for any patient in a so-called COVID-19 hot zone, where there are confirmed or presumed-positive cases, and virtual visiting options will be available.
Exceptions will continue to be made for children aged 18 and younger, as well as individuals with cognitive impairment who require support from one essential caregiver or substitute decision maker (as long as the caregiver meets screening criteria and at all times wears the appropriate personal protective equipment as directed by the care team.
“We appreciate the great benefit that caregivers and visitors bring to the care experience at NHH, and we did not make this decision lightly,” the announcement said.
“In these extraordinary circumstances, we must take extraordinary measures to minimize the risk of transmission within the hospital.
“Thank you for your continued support and understanding, and your patience with all NHH staff, physicians and midwives, who are doing all in their power to protect essential services through this fifth and most challenging wave of COVID-19.”
