Social visitors again restricted from Hagersville hospital

Citing high COVID-19 transmission occurring in the community," West Haldimand General Hospital in Hagersville has once again made the difficult decision to implement enhanced visitor restrictions at the hospital."

Aaron Gautreau, the hospital's director of communications and public relations, issued a news release on Aug. 4 that said, This means there will be no social visitors allowed at (the hospital) for the foreseeable future."

Patients will be allowed to designate two essential care providers who can come into the hospital to see them, but not at the same time (some exceptions may apply).

(The hospital) understands how critical the presence of family members and loved ones are to our patients; however, by limiting the number of people in our facilities through visitor restrictions, we are ensuring safety for our patients, clients, staff and physicians," the news release said.

All essential care providers must:

Monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms before each visit. Those who are symptomatic, have been exposed to COVID or who have tested positive for COVID will not be permitted to visit.

Complete the self-screening questions posted at the hospital entrances.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (including hospital-issued masks, which will be provided at the self-screening) for the entire duration of their visit.

Follow the strict hand hygiene guidelines - frequent hand-cleaning will be required.

Sign a form indicating that they will be compliant with the hospital's guidelines.

Physical distancing must be maintained.

No eating or drinking is permitted while visiting.

Visiting hours at the hospital will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There are some exceptions in place for certain patients, including those who are receiving end-of-life palliative care, and those who have intellectual or communication impairments; i.e. cognitive impairment leading to agitation and inability to console, or communication impairment that affects care.

Patients who are visiting the emergency department, and outpatient clinics who require assistance, may have one support person come with them.

These updated COVID-19 visitation guidelines are based on direction from the hospital's infection prevention and control experts, in collaboration with regional COVID-19 task force partners.

We understand it is difficult for families and friends to be separated from their loved ones during this period. We encourage people to use technology to connect with our patients," the news release said.

For the most up-to-date visiting guidelines, go to: https://www.whgh.ca/patients_visitors/for-visitors/