December 24, 2021
Effective December 23, Central Health implemented visitor restrictions at all Central Health facilities to align with the provincial shift to Alert Level 3.
Sites where an outbreak is present the visitation of one designated visitor per patient/resident is permitted. An outbreak site may be a facility with an outbreak of influenza, influenza-like illness or Covid-19.
Alert Level 3 areas where this is no identified outbreak, two designated visitors can visit. A support person may be identified and may not be needed for all patients/residents. Specific criteria is below for the definition of a support person.
A designated visitor can be a loved one, friend, paid caregiver, or other person of the patient/resident’s choosing. Once identified, the designated visitor should remain constant for the duration of the visiting restrictions at health care facilities and residential care homes.
A support person is an individual considered by the patient/resident’s care team to be paramount to the resident’s physical care and mental well-being, and can be a loved one, friend, or paid caregiver. They may provide assistance with feeding, mobility, personal care, communication assistance or assistance with significant behavioral symptoms
Palliative care visits are organized in collaboration with families and the care team.
Emergency department services and scheduled outpatient appointments are not affected.
Visitor screening is still in place. If you are a designated visitor, please check with your loved ones healthcare facility for visitation schedules.
Individuals requiring information about their loved ones should phone the appropriate nursing unit.
Please give consideration to using alternate communication methods such as virtual visits and phone calls to maintain contact with your loved ones, when possible, rather than in-person visiting. Central Health would like to thank the public for their understanding and co-operation at this time.
Gayle St. Croix
Director of Communications
