Bluewater Health Reinstates Visitor Restrictions as COVID-19 Cases Rise in Community
SARNIA & PETROLIA – January 4, 2021 – Due to significant community spread of COVID-19 in Sarnia Lambton, and to maintain hospital readiness for surges in patient volumes, Bluewater Health is reinstating enhanced visitor restrictions beginning Wednesday, January 6.
These enhanced visitor restrictions, referred to as Phase 1, only allow labouring mothers, paediatric patients, patients undergoing urgent surgery, or patients who are at end-of-life to have one consistent visitor throughout their stay. Designated visitors will be screened for symptoms, recent exposures, and are required to check in at the front entrance and nurses’ station. This restriction is consistent with other hospitals across the province.
“The safety and security of the community, our patients, and our staff at Bluewater Health is our top priority,” says Mike Lapaine, President and CEO. “We recognize that patients and families are already feeling the impact of isolation, and are doing our best to help patients and loved ones stay connected throughout these restrictions. With Sarnia Lambton now in third place provincially for rate of infection, we must do everything we can to quickly alter our trajectory. We are ranking with Peel and Toronto for infection rates and must immediately take action.”
The hospital continues to offer virtual visits for inpatients that can be accessed on our website. Those who have access to their own devices are encouraged to connect through Skype, FaceTime, or telephone calls.
Bluewater Health remains committed to the safety of the Sarnia-Lambton community, our patients, and our staff, closely monitoring COVID-19 developments within our community and making decisions based on best practices.
Bluewater Health, with locations in Sarnia and Petrolia, cares for the residents of Sarnia-Lambton. With close to 2,500 staff, Professional Staff and volunteers, Bluewater Health provides an array of specialized acute, complex continuing care, allied health and ambulatory care services. Bluewater Health’s Mission is: We create exemplary healthcare experiences with patients and families every time. For more information about Bluewater Health, visit www.bluewaterhealth.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
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