By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Being a patient at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance has become a little less lonely.
In keeping with Step Three of Ontario’s Roadmap to Re-Open, the hospital recently relaxed the rules.
It means patients can have two consistent essential care partners able to visit, one at a time.
“We know it is very important for our patients to have their family at their bedside as part of the care team,” alliance CEO and president Lori Marshall explained recently.
“We will continue to support that, while keeping our patients, staff and physicians safe.”
Allowing more people in comes as a relief to the public as strict guidelines have severely restricted visitors for much of the pandemic.
Palliative or critically ill patients, as well as those receiving a life-altering diagnosis, will be permitted two care partners who may be present at any time.
Labouring women are allowed two consistent care partners, and young patients may also have two consistent visitors.
The hospital also encourages outdoor visiting in Chatham at the Riverside Courtyard area where activity will be monitored by a screener.
In Wallaceburg, visiting takes place at the Riverside Pavilion.
However, reservations for the outdoor visiting spaces must be booked ahead of time.
The hospital also has care teams to work with end-of-life patients to identify their visitors of importance. They will be allowed two visitors at any given time.
For a full list of rules please contact the CKHA webpage or the Patient and Family Communication Liaison Office at 519-352-6400 ext. 6917.
Questions can also be sent to PFCL@ckha.on.ca.
