By Chris Brown

Visitation access reduced at AHS sites

Sep 17, 2021 | 4:18 PM

Alberta Health Services is reducing family/designated support and visitation access at sites as COVID-19 hospitalizations strain the health-care system.

The following measures will come into effect on Sept. 20.

Inpatient Services – two (2) designated support persons can be identified however, only one (1) at a time can be on site with the patient unless alternate arrangements have been made with the service area (e.g., personal support worker or care provider), or if requested by the service area.

Maternity – two (2) designated support persons can be identified and be on-site with the patient if physical distancing can be maintained. One (1) additional designated support person (for the infant) will be considered in cases of adoption or surrogacy if physical distancing permits.

Emergency and Urgent Care – one (1) designated support person if required to support the care of the patient and physical distancing from others (not from their immediate household) must be able to be maintained. Seniors, minors and patients with mobility and/or cognitive challenges should be given priority to have their designated support person remain with them in-person.

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End-of-Life – two (2) designated support persons can be identified and be on-site with the patient.

Pediatric Inpatient and Ambulatory – two (2) designated support persons can be identified and are welcome to be present with the patient at the same time.

Ambulatory: one (1) designated support person only if masking and physical distancing from others, not in their immediate household, can be maintained; two (2) designated support persons when pre-arranged with the clinic area and in situations involving:

• The need for assisting the patient and staff with patient care;
• End-of-life care or goals of care designation (GCD) discussions;
• Significant diagnosis/change in medical status leading to poor prognosis;
• Behaviour challenges requiring two caregiver;
• Medical or equipment needs requiring two caregivers;
• Involvement of Social Services; and/or
• When requested by the care team.

Pediatrics: Due to the increased prevalence and spread of COVID-19 variants, sibling visitation for inpatients is temporarily restricted to monthly visits for long stay patients (those who have been admitted for a minimum of 30 days) and for patients who are at end-of-life. Sibling visitation must be approved by site command post and follow guidance from Infection Prevention & Control (IP&C). An adult must accompany sibling(s) if they are under the age of 14 at all times. Sibling(s) can no longer accompany a patient to an ambulatory appointment. Exceptional circumstances for sibling support may be considered through site command post.

AHS says sites with outbreaks or on-watch situations may require additional restrictions and that designated support persons should not come to the site if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms,