Western Health is relaxing some of the access restrictions for visitors beginning this week at all Long Term Care Facilities and Rural Health Centres. Only two visitors will be allowed to visit at a time. Visiting hours from 11 am to 9 pm will be in place at all Rural Health Centres but in Long Term Care sites visitors will once again be welcomed at any time. Volunteer programs will also once again resume.
Western Health is relaxing some of the access restrictions for visitors beginning this week at all Long Term Care Facilities and Rural Health Centres. Only two visitors will be allowed to visit at a time. Visiting hours from 11 am to 9 pm will be in place at all Rural Health Centres but in Long Term Care sites visitors will once again be welcomed at any time. Volunteer programs will also once again resume.
“For our residents, the Long Term Care site where they reside is their home. The important role that visitors and volunteers play in the comfort and happiness of the residents is so critical and helps create a home like environment,” says Kelli O’Brien, Chief Operating Office of Rural Health and Long Term Care. “Children are also welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult.”
Visitors to both long term care and the rural health sites in Burgeo, Bonne Bay, Port Saunders and Port aux Basques are asked to cooperate when there is a need for privacy for nursing care, treatment, or procedures and visits by a health professional. People are reminded that the morning hours are when most of the resident/patient care is provided but depending on individual circumstances that may be at any other time of the day as well.
When patients or residents are in rooms with others, the needs of others must also be respected including the need for adequate rest. There are also times that family members need to be alone. Lounges and Family rooms are available for that purpose.
A primary support person will be chosen by the patient or their family and will be permitted to stay with the patient in acute care outside general visiting hours. The individual may be a close family member or close friend who knows the individual very well. There can be more than one primary care person for each patient, but only one will be able to stay beyond general visiting hours.
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For further information:
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications
Western Health
637-5252
heidistaebensimmons@westernhealth.nl.ca