The Owen Sound Regional Hospital. (Photo by Nathan Shubert)
Grey Bruce Health Services (GBHS) is going to expand the number of visitors allowed at all six of its hospitals.
GBHS says starting Feb. 10, two visitors per inpatient will be allowed.
Outpatients attending most types of appointments still need to come alone in most circumstances due to space limitations, unless a support person is essential.
All visitors will still need to wear a mask, show government issued I.D. and proof of full Covid vaccination before entering any GBHS facility.
Taking effect at all six GBHS hospitals in Lion’s Head, Markdale, Meaford, Owen Sound, Southampton, and Wiarton:
-Two visitors per inpatients, who are the same visitors for the duration of the patient’s stay will be allowed between 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
-For day surgery, patients must come alone unless support is required for accessibility reasons and must be identified before surgery to the clinical team.
-For oncology and chemotherapy, patients must come alone unless support is needed for accessibility reasons between 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
-For ambulatory care, patients must come alone unless support is needed for accessibility reasons.
-For emergency department, patients must come alone unless support is needed for accessibility reasons.
-For diagnostic imaging, one support person will be allowed.
-For obstetrics/labour and delivery, two support people will be allowed for labour and delivery. For post-partum, one support person can remain in the hospital with the mother, as well as one visitor during visiting hours for the duration of the patient’s stay.
-For pediatric under the age of 16, two parents or guardians for both inpatients and outpatients will be allowed.
-For end of life, two visitors at a time will be allowed which the clinical team will establish with the family.
GBHS says it recognizes the importance of visitors to the emotional and physical well-being of patients, and look forward to welcoming visitors into their facilities again.
The visitor policy will continue to be updated based on the presence of Covid in local communities.
