SECTIONS

Coming to the Hospital

During the COVID-19 Pandemic...

Updated visitation policy: Current level of Restriction: MODERATE

To book an appointment for visiting, please call 613-938-4240 ext. 4778 between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  An appointment is REQUIRED.

To keep everyone who works or comes to the hospital safe, we need to restrict visitors during the Covid-19 pandemic. Several factors are considered when determining the level of visitation restriction. We have 3 levels of restriction:  low, moderate, and full.

How does CCH determine levels of visitor restriction? 

Situations like COVID-19 prevalence in the community, how many inpatients have COVID-19, the availability of PPE (personal protective equipment), the ability to ensure the recommended space between people and government directions are amongst the important considerations we think about when deciding whether the visitor restriction level should be set at low, moderate or full. 

Why do hospitals like CCH restrict visitation?

Our patients are vulnerable, often with illnesses and chronic conditions that make them more likely to get infections. Patient and staff safety is so important during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also know how important it is to our patients, and their loved ones, to have the opportunity to visit together and we are balancing these two very important considerations. Our updated visitation policy matches those at other hospitals in the region. The cornerstones of infection prevention and control remain the same:

• Universal masking
• Hand Hygiene
• Physical separation/distancing
• Screening for COVID-19 exposure/symptoms

Who can visit at CCH?

To book an appointment for visiting, please call 613-938-4240 ext. 4778 between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  An appointment is REQUIRED.

Full Restrictions: 1 identified essential care partner/visitor
Moderate Restrictions: up to 2 identified essential care partners/visitors (for some departments)
Low Restrictions: up to 3 identified essential care partners/visitors (for some departments)

Who is an “Essential Care Partner / Visitor” 

These are individuals who have been identified by the patient as support persons. If the patient is not capable of designating their essential care
partners/visitors their Substitute Decision Maker (as defined by the Province of Ontario) can make the designation.

Exceptional circumstances

It is recognized that there are situations where essential visitors/care partners require additional access to a patient. These situations include, but are not limited to, patients who are children/youth, are palliative or actively dying (as determined by a physician), have cognitive, mobility, and or communication impairments, or require a translator.  Some patients coming to the hospital for outpatient appointments/procedures may bring an escort, as determined on a case by case basis. 

Department Specific Information:

Emergency Department:
Due to space restrictions in the emergency department and the need to ensure physical distancing due to COVID-19, the ED is not allowing patients to have family/caregivers or visitors accompany them into the ED waiting room and department.

Exceptions are the following:

• Patients that have cognitive challenges and require a support person
• Guardian/parent accompanying a child
• The patient’s end of life is imminent 
• *Compassionate reasons including mental health considerations, care partner/visitor senior support (these cases will be evaluated on a “case by case” basis with ED staff and the screeners)

*Note: Because of physical distancing requirements, this group will not be allowed to wait in the waiting room but can be called once the patient is settled in ED and the primary nurse/physician deems it appropriate to have a family/care partner present.

Critical Care Unit (CCU): Only 1 Care Partner is designated for this department. Determined case by case. Hours typically between 12 pm and 8 pm. Please call ext:2260 to request visitation.

Women and Children’s Health: 1 partner/person accompanying the labouring mom. No in and out privileges; meal tray with be provided for both mom and accompanying person.

Virtual Family Visits are Always an Option!

Using Your Own Device:
With visiting restrictions in effect, we encourage families to reach out to their loved ones who are staying at the hospital, by using their own device for a virtual visit.

Using a CCH device:
If your loved one at the hospital does not have access to a device like a tablet or a smartphone, Cornwall Hospital can help by lending a hospital-owned tablet to facilitate a virtual visit!

What you need for a Virtual Family Visit:
• A valid email address
• A computer/tablet or phone with a camera and microphone
• The Zoom App

A request to set up a virtual visit can be made by emailing virtual.visit@cornwallhospital.ca or by calling 613-938-4240 ext: 4740 and is available between the hours of 8h00 and 16h00 7 days a week. Information like the patient’s room number/name and time of the desired visit are helpful details to include when communicating. 

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