CKHA relaxes visitor restrictions

Effective immediately, patients who request and are safe to go outside for short periods will be permitted to do so.

Also effective immediately, CKHA is pleased to begin offering outdoor visiting to its long-stay patients on the Rehabilitation and Complex Continuing Care units.

The patio area outside of the south entrance adjacent to the Emergency Department and streetscape has been designated as an outdoor visiting space, and will be called the Riverside Courtyard.

Visiting is to be scheduled in advance and will be co-ordinated by CKHA’s Patient and Family Communication Liaisons (PFCLs). The care team will determine if the patient is safe to be taken outside by a care partner.

Patients who are able to participate in outdoor visiting will be accompanied to and from the Riverside Courtyard by their care partner and can have up to another two visitors outdoors at that time. Patients and their designated care partner will use the south entrance (streetscape) and no other visitors will be permitted entry into the building.

Visitors and patients will be asked to follow public health measures to ensure everyone’s safety; remain masked and physically distanced during their visit; and to refrain from food and drink.

CKHA will continue to monitor the success of this initiative and will look to expand it as appropriate with time.

Outdoor visiting hours will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with 45-minute visiting sessions. Contact the PFCL office to receive support in scheduling outdoor visits.  The PFCL office can be reached at 519-352-6400 ext. 6917 or via e-mail at pfcl@ckha.on.ca.