{"id":88110,"date":"2020-07-27T13:36:42","date_gmt":"2020-07-27T17:36:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntsville.dopperonline.ca\/?p=88110"},"modified":"2020-07-27T13:36:42","modified_gmt":"2020-07-27T17:36:42","slug":"mahc-eases-restrictions-to-allow-one-designated-visitor-per-inpatient","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/mahc-eases-restrictions-to-allow-one-designated-visitor-per-inpatient\/","title":{"rendered":"MAHC eases restrictions to allow one designated visitor per inpatient"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A message from Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare<\/em><\/p>\n

As the hospital slowly resumes activities and the local rate of community transmission of COVID-19 remains low, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) is pleased to reintroduce essential visitation for inpatients by their Designated Care Partner during visiting hours.<\/p>\n

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Visitor restrictions, except for compassionate reasons, were introduced in mid-March as a safety measure to limit non-essential traffic at both hospital sites, contain the spread of COVID-19 and keep patients and staff safe.<\/p>\n

“Early in the pandemic MAHC made the difficult decision to restrict visitors,” explains Natalie Bubela, CEO. “We know that visitor restrictions have been hard on everyone and we have appreciated the understanding of our patients and their family members with these restrictions. As part of a phased plan to resume visitation, we are happy to reintroduce essential visitation in line with strict guidelines and infection control measures.”<\/p>\n

Eligible inpatients will be able to select one Designated Care Partner to visit them who remains the same for the duration of their hospital stay. Visiting by an inpatient\u2019s Designated Care Partner will be permitted between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and visitation must follow MAHC\u2019s guidelines to reduce risks associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

“Family presence is an important part of patient-centred care at MAHC,” says Bubela. “We are allowing one Designated Care Partner to visit as a means of balancing the importance of reuniting inpatients with loved ones and protecting the safety of all patients and staff. As open visitation has not resumed, we regret that visitors are not permitted for outpatients except for special circumstances where a support person is necessary.”<\/p>\n

All inpatient Designated Care Partners must:<\/p>\n