St. Joseph's Health Care London has made a few changes to its essential caregiver and visitor policy in an effort to keep facilities safe.
The hospital announced Wednesday that it made the changes due to the rampant spread of the Omicron variant within the region, and to keep in alignment with directives put in place by provincial health officials.
Effective December 22, 2021, two essential caregivers (or family members) can visit indoors for up to two hours daily. In ward rooms, more than one patient at a time may have visitors at the discretion of the care team and if physical distancing is possible. All indoor visits must be pre-arranged. Palliative care patients and short stay surgical patients are excluded from these changes.
While the weather forecast for Christmas Day this year does not appear to be ideal for outdoor visits, up to four people who have been screened and masked are permitted to visit so long as a physical distancing is maintained. Patients in isolation can have one bedside visitor for up to two hours with required personal protective equipment.
"St. Joseph's recognizes that these most recent changes may be difficult for our patients, residents and their families, particularly during the holiday season," read a statement from SJHC. "At the same time, they are vital to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for those receiving care within St. Joseph’s facilities."
General visitors will be required to provide proof of vaccination in order to enter a facility. Starting on December 30, 2022, visitors will also have to show a government issued photo identification along with their proof of vaccination upon visiting. Patients are not required to provide proof of vaccination.
Fully vaccinated residents can leave for day absences for social purposes. When they return, residents must be screened and rapid tested. They will also have to complete another rapid test and PCR test on day three after their return, and another PCR test on day seven. Overnight visits are not allowed.
Additional information about the policy changes including details on clinical exemptions can be found on the SJHC website.
