NEWS RELEASE
STEVENSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
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Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is restricting visitors at the hospital further to ensure that the facility remains as safe as possible for patients, staff and physicians during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective immediately, SMH is moving back to phase one of its visitor policy which states:
No visitors are permitted for patients in the Emergency Department and Outpatient Clinics unless there are extenuating circumstances. These include:
- An ill newborn, youth or child (18 years old and under)
- Patient with dementia/cognitive impairment
- Palliative patient
Inpatients: Patients with a stay duration of less than 10 days are not permitted visitors. Upon a stay of 10 days, patients are permitted one designated visitor twice a week for one hour. Visiting can take place between the hours of 12-6 p.m. Extenuating circumstances will be managed on a case by case basis.
Surgical patients: Supports are not permitted for surgical patients unless there are extenuating circumstances. A staff member will transition the patient to a care provider at the main entrance.
Obstetrical patients: Patients in labour and delivery are permitted one support person.
All visitors/supports must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination along with personal ID and are required to pass COVID-19 screening before visiting a patient. Only extenuating circumstances will be permitted. Visitors continue to be required to wear medical-grade masks (no cloth masks) upon entry to the hospital, which will be provided. Visitors must wash their hands before entering and after leaving a patient’s room.
“This has not been an easy decision as we lead into the holidays, but the safety of our patients, staff and physicians is a top priority. We need to do everything we can sure our facility remains safe amongst the increased transmission of the Omicron variant across the province during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Jody Levac, president and CEO, SMH.
No visiting will be permitted, regardless of length of stay, for any COVID-19 positive/suspected patients. Family members of our patients can contact our Patient Experience department to book a time to speak with their loved one through technology such as iPads or tablets.
Please call ext. 2310 or email [email protected]
For more information, please visit www.stevensonhospital.ca
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