BEGINNING MONDAY, DEC. 6, 2021 new enhanced visitor screening will come into effect requiring all visitors to test negative on a Rapid Antigen Test on entry to the hospital. Unvaccinated visitors will also be required to provide hospital screeners with proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72-hours of the visit to the hospital.
More details are available on our website: https://www.erieshoreshealthcare.ca/visitorhours

Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases across Essex County and Chatham-Kent Erie Shores HealthCare is implementing enhanced visitor screening requirements. They include:

Vaccinated Visitors

–  The visitor must test negative on a Rapid Antigen Test completed on arrival to the hospital.

Unvaccinated Visitors

–  The visitor is required to provide a negative PCR test taken within 72-hours and,

–  Must test negative on a Rapid Antigen Test completed on arrival at the hospital.

Patients or their substitute decision-makers may choose a maximum of TWO essential visitors. The TWO essential visitors may visit once per day for any duration between 8 am and 8 pm. Visits may overlap, allowing both visitors to visit at the same time if desired.

Essential visitors will also be restricted if they:

–  Are less than 18 years of age

–  Are symptomatic

–  Have been outside of Ontario in the last 14 days

–  Have tested positive for COVID-19

–  Have had close contact with a confirmed case or probable case of COVID-19

–  Have had close contact with a person with an acute respiratory illness who has been Outside of Canada in the 14 days before their symptom onset

Not all situations are the same and Erie Shores HealthCare understands that. The hospital will give special visiting time and screening considerations for ONE designated support person, on a case-by-case basis, who is:

–  Visiting a woman in labour

–  Accompanying a COVID NEGATIVE emergency department patient

–  A parent/guardian of an ill newborn, youth or child

–  A support person for a patient with dementia/cognitive impairment with management approval

COVID Positive/Suspected Patients

Visiting restrictions remain in place for COVID-19 positive/suspected patients. Family members who have a patient in our care can expect to be contacted by one of our Patient-Family Liaisons to book a time to speak to their loved ones through technology such as iPads.

Patients In ICU

Visiting restrictions remain in place for ICU patients. Family members who have a patient in our care can expect to be contacted by one of our Patient-Family Liaisons to book a time to speak to their loved ones through technology such as iPads.

Woman In Labour

ONE support person, chosen by the patient, will be permitted to remain with a woman in labour for the duration of her stay. There will be no switching of the support person. If the woman in labour is COVID Positive/Suspect, the visitor will be required to remain in the same physical space throughout their stay. The visitor will be required to report to the Windsor Essex County Health Unit and may be required to self-isolate. The woman in labour can also request a doula to be in the room. The Doula does not count as the one support person.

End-Of-Life

For patients who are actively dying (or has planned withdrawal of life-support) with End of Life Orders; COVID NEGATIVE, COVID POSITIVE OR PENDING:

–  Visitors may be identified by the patient or Substitute Decision Maker

–  2 visitors at a time, around the clock; visitors must switch out before the next visitors come in

–  Must be age 18 or older

–  No food or drink is allowed for the visitor(s)

–  Visitors must wear full PPE at all times with the patient

No visitation is allowed for patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 on high-flow oxygen due to the extremely high risk to patients, staff, and visitors- Virtual visits for these patients will be supported using technology such as iPads through the Patient-Family Liaison. To book a time, click this link: /virtualfamilyvisitrequest.

Note: this direction may change at any time based on COVID-19 prevalence within the community or hospital.

Outpatients

To limit traffic in the hospital, visitor restrictions will remain in place for anyone visiting the hospital for an outpatient procedure (X-Ray, CT Scan, Lab, Day Surgery, etc.). For patients with dementia/cognitive impairment, a support person will be permitted to stay with the individual.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PPE

All OUTPATIENTS AND VISITORS will continue to be required to wear medical-grade masks (no cloth masks) upon entry to the hospital. Visitors and outpatients will be offered a face shield at the entrance. Visitors are reminded to wash their hands before entering and after leaving a patient room.

Food

Single serving, pre-packaged food may be dropped off at the screeners’ desk inside the Main Entrance to be brought up for the patient, if allowed – NO external food for ICU patients. No homemade food/baked goods or communal food allowed.

Personal Item Drop-Off

Visitors must bag and room tag all personal items before delivery. Glasses, hearing aids, dentures, one personal cell phone/tablet, or clothing required for patients who are being imminently discharged may be dropped off at a hospital entrance, and hospital staff will take it to a patient’s room. Rehab patients will be allowed shoes and daily changes of clothes as required by their prescribed therapy.

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