THUNDER BAY — Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is once again allowing all its inpatients to be visited by designated care partners.
The hospital confirmed Monday that the relaxation of visitor restrictions will take effect on Wednesday, July 22.
Up to now, only patients meeting qualifying criteria have been permitted one essential care partner.
The change in policy means all remaining inpatients are permitted to be visited by one care partner, once per day.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused TBR Health Sciences Centre to severely curtail visitation since the end of March.
"Although necessary for everyone's protection, the restrictions have been difficult for patients and families. Thanks to the diligence of our community members, and the introduction of mandatory masks, we are now able to ease restrictions," COVID-19 Incident Manager Dr. Stewart Kennedy said.
According to a hospital statement, the following reflects the updated care partner guidelines:
• It must be the same CP throughout a patient’s stay at the Hospital (patients cannot have different care partners from day-to-day);
• CPs are allowed to visit between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Visits are limited to one visit per day;
• Movement of Essential Care Partners and Care Partners are restricted. They are not permitted to visit common areas such as Robin’s or the cafeteria.
As of July 22, Essential Care Partners are permitted to visit between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ECPs apply to:
• a patient who is dying or very ill;
• a patient under 18 years old;
• patients undergoing surgery;
• women giving birth;
• outpatients who require assistance to attend their appointment;
• patients being discharged and ECP requires health teaching that cannot be provided post-discharge or virtually;
• patients with cognitive, mental health, or behavioural issues that impact the care team’s ability to provide safe care;
• patients with communication needs that cannot be easily addressed with existing resources and impact the care team’s ability to provide safe care;
• patients in the Intensive Care Unit;
• patients undergoing Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).
In the vast majority of circumstances, patients are only allowed one care partner or essential care partner at a time. However, a patient who is dying or very ill may have a maximum of four ECPs, but with no more than two present at a time.
The hospital said additional policy changes apply to extended care partners for patients of the Women and Children's program.
As of July 22, one ECP may be present during labour and delivery, including in the operating room during a Caesarian Section (subject to corporate Personal Protective Equipment status). One ECP is permitted in the maternal newborn unit for the first six hours of life or until the end of that day’s visiting hours (8:00 p.m.), whichever is longer. Like other ECPs, this ECP may return daily between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. until discharge.
Dr. Kennedy noted that further adjustments to the guidelines may be required as the pandemic evolves.
"We will continue to monitor the situation in order to protect our patients and this facility," he said.
