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Stevenson Memorial Hospital eases visitor restrictions

June 23, 2022   ·   0 Comments

Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston will be adjusting its visitor policy as a result of the decrease of COVID-19 transmission.

The hospital has moved to Phase 2 of its visitor policy. The new policy came into effect on Tuesday, June 14.

In-patients will now be permitted two designated visitors. This includes one designated visitor per day unless there are extenuating circumstances, and will be managed on a case-by-case basis.

Surgical patients will be allowed one support person post-procedure to support the patient upon discharge.

In the obstetrics department, patients in labour and delivery are permitted one support person. No switching of support individuals will be allowed – it must be the same person for the duration of a visit.

In the emergency department and for out-patients, on visitor for support is permitted unless there are extenuating circumstances. These include, an ill newborn, youth, or child – age 18 and under – or palliative patients.

Families of patients eligible for visitation will be contacted by the Patient Experience Department.

A visitors or support people must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination and are required to pass COVID-19 screening before visiting a patient. Only extenuating circumstances will be permitted without full vaccination status.

Visitors will still be required to wear medical-grade masks upon entry to the hospital, which will be provided. Visitors must wash their hands before entering and after leaving a patient’s room.

“We are happy to slowly start allowing additional visitors in the hospital,” said Jody Levac, President and CEO, SMH. “It’s important to remain cautious to help keep our facility safe, so we are easing visitor restrictions with a phased approach. We will continue to assess COVID-19 burden in our hospital and community and will make further adjustments when it is safe to do so.”

No visiting will be permitted for any COVID-19 positive or suspected positive patients.

Any patient in isolation, or who is waiting for pending PCR results are not permitted a visitor.

Patients must have a negative COVID test result before being permitted visitors.

Family members of patients can contact the Patient Experience Department to book a time to speak with their loved one through technology such as iPads or tablets.

By Brian Lockhart

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