HDGH Patient Visitation
COVID-19 (NOVEL CORONAVIRUS)
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) continues to maintain the safety of our patients, families, staff, and physicians as our highest priority.
Visitation at HDGH has been modified to protect our patients, clients and community. At this time, we are offering the following ways in which loved ones can be involved:
- The Designated Care Program (DCP)
- Registered Visitors
- Palliative Visitation
- TNI Visitation
- Outpatient Care Visits
All individuals entering the campus must adhere to the following:
- Individuals will be screened for signs and symptoms of illness, including COVID-19, prior to every entry into the hospital.
- Individuals with signs or symptoms of illness, as well as those in self-isolation or quarantine, shall not be granted entry.
- No children under the age of 18 (unless accompanied by an adult).
- All visitors must wear a surgical mask. A visor is available for those who want one.
- Individuals are required to practice proper hand hygiene.
Please note HDGH is continuously assessing the evolution of COVID-19 at HDGH and in the community. We continually monitor the COVID-19 numbers in Windsor-Essex and will adjust our visitation access according to rates of community spread.
Vaccination Policies
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Windsor-Essex, HDGH is furthering their vaccination employee/physician program by launching vaccination policies for all remaining individuals who enter the HDGH campus.
Effective August 30th:
- As members of the care team, all Registered Visitors and Designated Care partners HDGH who are not fully vaccinated (evidencing 14 days have passed since their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine) will be required to provide a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction test) OR community-based antigen test result taken within 3 days before their visit.
- In cases where the visitor is visiting a palliative/end of life patient as identified by the clinical team and cannot provide proof of their vaccination or do not have time to receive a PCR in the community, the hospital will endeavor to accommodate the visitor through another process consistent with the visitor policy and will be determined at that time. Note rapid test results will not be accepted. Visitors will need to arrange their COVID-19 test at a community swabbing centre https://covid-19.ontario.ca/assessment-centre-locations. A hospital-based COVID-19 Assessment Centre can only test/swab symptomatic patients per Ontario government direction. Regardless of vaccination status all individuals entering HDGH will be required to wear hospital-provided PPE as directed by the hospital.
- All contractors, business partners, volunteers, students or unregistered visitors (including those accompanying patients to outpatient visits) who are entering an HDGH location must show their proof of being fully vaccinated (evidencing 14 days have passed since their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine), along with a valid picture Health (OHIP) Card, or will be denied entry.
Visitation Options
CMC/Rehab
Effective Tuesday, August 17th, visitation for patients at HDGH on CMC and Rehab is as follows.
- A patient can have two people visiting at one time (this could be either 1 DCP and 1 Registered Visitor OR 2 Registered Visitors)
- Visiting hours of 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
TNI Visitation
- A patient can have two people visiting at one time (this could be either 1 DCP and 1 Registered Visitor OR 2 Registered Visitors)
- Visiting hours will be during the time blocks of 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday - Friday with an additional time from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Palliative Care
Patients who require end-of-life (palliative) care may have 4 Registered Visitors with 2 Registered Visitors being able to visit at the same time (no time restrictions).
Decisions regarding visitation may also be decided on a case-by-case basis.
General Visitation Information
It is important to remember that individuals who are in the hospital need their rest and time to recover. We encourage visitors to visit and participate in the recovery and to also support the needs of the patient during quiet time, especially after their therapy sessions.
If the patient is under enhanced precautions, or has tested positive for COVID-19 no DCP’s or Registered Visitors will be allowed. DCPs/Registered Visitors are permitted to bring patients outside. HDGH no longer requires masks to be worn while outside on our campus. All staff, patients, visitors and DCPs, who are not vaccinated are encouraged to continue to wear a mask when outdoors and are less than 2 meters from others, however, this will be an individual's choice. Furthermore, all individuals are strongly encouraged to continue physically distancing.
If you feel you or your loved one would benefit from having a Visitor, please connect with the unit manager.
As a DCP and registered visitor, you will need to sign off that you have read and understand the information in the document. For individuals who do not have access to printer, HDGH will have copied of the consent document available at the screening desk.
All completed documents must be submitted to the screeners by August 17th or before your first visit after this date in order to visit following this date.
Beginning Tuesday, August 17th, there will be no more drop off for personal items. HDGH will now allow families to bring in homemade food/meals for their loved ones. There will be no storage of food on the units. Perishable food must be taken home. For patients in TNI, any food items brought in will be permitted by special circumstances only and must be approved by management. Restrictions remain in place regarding additional items being brought into TNI.
Visitation Guidelines
All current DCPs, registered visitors, as well as new registered visitors will be required to read and sign a document, which lays our current Visitation guidelines.
Infection Prevention and Control Training
All current registered visitors, as well as new registered visitors should watch an Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Tutorial. This tutorial is available for viewing below.
Designated Care Partner (DCP) Program
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) aims to deliver health care and treatment that is patient-and-family-centered. We recognize and acknowledge that partnership with the patient, family members and care team is essential to good quality healthcare, healing, and overall well-being. At this time HDGH will be evolving the DCP program from a pandemic response to a permanent iteration of the program post COVID-19. During this time, DCP Orientation will only be offered on a case by case basis. To learn more about visitation options at HDGH please contact the unit manager.
Outpatient Care Visits
Patients who require a family member present for their care needs to be met will be allowed one (1) visitor. Given the episodic nature of outpatient services, the visitor in these instances may change from visit to visit. The expectation is that the visitor attending the visit will adhere to all IPAC standards and follow all instructions given by staff. It is expected that only a small number of patients (eg. Very frail/elderly, patient with dementia, person who is non-verbal or severely disabled) require a family member to be present for HDGH staff to provide care in these circumstances.
Patient Belongings
Beginning Tuesday, August 17th, there will be no more drop off for personal items.
HDGH will now allow families to bring in homemade food/meals for their loved ones. There will be no storage of food on the units. Perishable food must be taken home.
For patients in TNI, any food items brought in will be permitted by special circumstances only and must be approved by management. Restrictions remain in place regarding additional items being brought into TNI.