With COVID-19 case counts declining and in alignment with the province moving to Step 2 of its reopening plan, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) is moving to the next step of its family presence (visitor) policy. This is effective Wednesday, June 30.
Depending on where they are located within the health centre and the ability to ensure physical distancing and use of personal protective equipment, patients will be allowed a prescribed number of visitors, visits and time allowance of each visit.
While there are exceptions in place for compassionate grounds, critically ill patients, birthing mothers and paediatric patients, the general guidelines are as follows:
- Patients will appoint two designated visitors. Those not on the patient’s list will not be permitted
- All admitted patients are allowed one visitor, two times per week for one hour – only one visitor at a time
- Visitors must be over the age of 16 and must pass screening upon entry
- Visitors must wear a hospital-issued mask at all times
- Visitation hours on inpatient units are seven days a week between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Visitation hours on the mental health units are seven days a week between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Visits to be pre-booked no later than 6 a.m. of the day of the visit by calling the inpatient unit directly
- Visitors must go directly to the patient unit and with the exception of designated bathrooms are only permitted in the patient room and not common areas within the building
- Outpatients may have one support person with them if assistance is required
- Visitors in the Emergency department are at the discretion of the care team
Due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic visitation schedules are subject to change.