Essential Caregiver Policy Changes
6-2-2022
Windsor Regional Hospital is adjusting its restrictions on who can visit a patient at either the Met or Ouellette Campuses, as well as the Regional Cancer Centre to allow more visits by essential caregivers for patients.
Starting at 12:01 am on Monday, February 7th, WRH will allow a maximum of TWO essential caregivers, chosen by the patient, to rotate over the patient's stay in the hospital (however, only ONE of the essential caregivers may be at the bedside at a time within the allotted visitation). This replaces the "no visitor" policy which went into effect on December 30, 2021, amid concerns about rising numbers of cases of COVID-19 in our community. The overall burden of disease of COVID-19 in our community has plateaued somewhat, though it remains high.
For patients that are palliative/end of life, WRH will allow FOUR essential caregivers to rotate over the patient's stay 24 hours per day; however, a maximum of two (2) essential caregivers may be at the bedside at a time within the allotted visitation.
Any essential caregiver of an in-patient or in attendance with a patient for an out-patient procedure will continue to be required to provide:
- Documented proof of their COVID-19 vaccination evidencing 14 days has passed since their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
OR
- A negative community-based PCR (polymerase chain reaction test) or antigen test result taken within 3 days before their visit.
We continue to not allow essential caregivers to visit patients with active confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Resolved cases may have essential caregivers visit as identified in exceptions below. Limited exemptions available for patients who are palliative/end of life with no aerosol-generating medical procedures, and parents/guardians of a child with confirmed or suspected COVID 19.
All essential caregivers must wear a medical-grade mask and eye protection at ALL times and in ALL areas of the hospital. If essential caregivers do not have one they will be provided with a medical-grade mask at the entrance. Cloth masks by themselves will not be allowed.
All essential caregivers are required to wear a face shield in addition to a mask while visiting a patient. Face shields will be provided to essential caregivers on entry to the hospital or on the unit. Please refer to our policy regarding these issues and limited exemptions for patients/essential caregivers not to wear a mask.
Visitation Hours:
- 8 am to 10 am and 6 pm to 8 pm (except Critical Care units)
- 10 am to 12 pm, and 8 pm to 10 pm (Critical Care units only)
For department-specific restrictions as well as specific hours for mental health, dialysis, the emergency department, paediatrics, and newborns, as well as additional information, please view the visiting the hospital link here.
The hospital also continues to support the use of technology to connect with your loved ones through virtual options, like FaceTime, or telephone calls. You can request a virtual visit here.
We appreciate your understanding of these visitor limitations while we continue to work to keep protect our community and our keep our hospital system functioning.
Media Release