Safety for patients, essential visitors, staff, and physicians continues to be the number one priority at West Parry Sound Health Centre as we continue manage our ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visitor limitations and other precautions remain in place to support infection prevention and control, and to protect the health centre’s ability to provide safe, sustainable care for the communities we are privileged to serve. We are thankful for everyone’s ongoing support and cooperation.

If you are uncertain or have questions about visiting a patient at WPSHC, please call before making a trip to the health centre. Contact: 705-938-4719. Exceptions based on compassionate grounds can be discussed with members of the health care team.

Visitor Requirements

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination status is an entry requirement and all visitors must test negative on a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). For scheduled visits, visitors can go to Lakeland Long Term Care to receive an RAT - Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 11:45, and 1 to 4 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays: 8 a.m. to 10:45, and noon to 4 p.m.

Proof of vaccination is also required for entry into the testing area at Lakeland LTC. A visitor’s RAT result is valid for 48 hours.
• Upon arrival to the health centre, visitors will perform hand hygiene, don a mask, be screened, and have their appointment confirmed prior to entry into patient care areas.
• Visitors who fail screening will be further assessed by clinical staff and will not be allowed entry if a health care risk is identified. Advice for follow-up at the Assessment Centre or Emergency Department will be provided.
• All visitors will be given a Visitor Guide that includes additional information regarding appropriate policies, expectations, and contact information.
• All visitors must wear an identifying lanyard which is returned to the screeners at completion of the visit.
• Visitors allowed special exceptions will be identified by a pink visitor ID badge.
• All visitors are responsible for following WPSHC policies and protocols and may have their visitation privileges revoked if unwilling and/or unable to do so.
• All health care team members are responsible to provide visitors with education and ongoing support regarding masking policy, physical distancing, hand hygiene, and the proper use of personal protective equipment.

Visiting Hours and Limitations

• Scheduled visits will be permitted for admitted patients, between 1 and 8 p.m. daily. Visits outside of these times are by exception and must be approved by the Clinical Manager or designate.
• Only one visitor at a time unless there is an approved exception for up to two visitors at a time in Palliative Care only.
• Visitors must maintain minimal occurrences of exit and re-entry to the health centre during a single day visit.

Departmental controls

Acute Care
• Each admitted patient will be allowed two visitors on list.
• Each patient may have one visit a day, for one hour, with one visitor. COVID testing required.

Palliative Care
• Family can designate up to four individuals to rotate visitation. No more than two visitors at a time.
• COVID testing is required.
• Exceptions will be made if patient is imminently palliative. A negative rapid antigen test will not be required in this situation.

Obstetrics
• One designated support person is approved. COVID testing required.

Intensive Care Unit
• Each admitted patient will be allowed two visitors on list.
• Each patient is allowed one visit per day, for one hour, with one visitor. COVID testing required
• Exceptions are at the discretion of the Clinical Manager or delegate.

Emergency Department
• No visitors except support person(s) as deemed necessary by the care team.

Surgical programs
• No visitors except support person(s) as deemed necessary by the care team.

Transitional Care and Rehab and Long-Stay Acute (greater than 30 days)
• Each patient can have up to four visitors on the designated list.
• Each patient may have up to 2 visits per day, one person at a time. COVID testing is required.

Medical Imaging - specific to obstetrical scans
• Support person based on patient’s selection is allowed to accompany patient.

Additional controls
• Visitors are not allowed for patients under a Form 1 (exceptions may be granted by the Clinical Manager or delegate, e.g., pediatric Form 1).
• Visitors are not allowed for patients requiring additional precautions (exemptions can be granted by Clinical Manager or delegate).

Alternative visitation
• Face-Time, video calls, and other connections may be facilitated through the Patient and Family Communication Program.

Attachments:

Visiting and safety precautions at WPSHC