Family Care Partners Welcome amidst COVID Visitor Restrictions
SARNIA & PETROLIA – July 2, 2020 – Bluewater Health welcomes limited family and care partners to the hospital as the organization gradually re-establishes services and programs amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Family and care partners are essential to the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of our patients.
Hospital staff will identify patients who would most benefit from the presence of a family/care partner, as selected by the patient. Priority is given to patients with a critical illness or serious medical condition; whose physical care and mental health would best be supported by the family and care partner; who require a support person due to their medical state; or where discharge and health teaching of hands-on skills is needed to take care for the patient at home.
While one family/care partner is permitted, restrictions otherwise remain in place. The hours of family and care partner presence is limited to 2:00 to 7:00 pm but may vary depending on the unit. All family/care partners will undergo a health assessment and screening at the hospital entrance. They must wear a mask while on-site and follow guidance on personal protective equipment, physical distancing, hand hygiene and limited movement within the hospital. All family/care partners would be those who are NOT self-isolating at the direction of public health and have not had a positive test for COVID-19 within the last two weeks.
“While we continue to be vigilant in the face of COVID-19 in our community, we are ever-mindful of the effects isolation can have on patients and their families,” says Shannon Landry, Chief Nursing Executive. “We are continuing to explore safe ways to support patients’ care journey while recognizing our need to keep all patients, staff and community members safe.”
Technology continues to help families and friends stay connected with patients in the hospital. Patients are invited to connect with their loved ones through virtual options, such as Skype, FaceTime or telephone calls. Those who are not able to use their own devices to communicate through audio or video calls will receive assistance with hospital devices and technology platforms.
Bluewater Health, with locations in Sarnia and Petrolia, cares for the residents of Sarnia-Lambton. With close to 2,500 staff, Professional Staff and volunteers, Bluewater Health provides an array of specialized acute, complex continuing care, allied health and ambulatory care services. Bluewater Health’s Mission is: We create exemplary healthcare experiences with patients and families every time. For more information about Bluewater Health, visit www.bluewaterhealth.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.