Hamilton emergency departments changing protocol due to COVID-19

Hamilton Health Sciences is saying that only one family member or caregiver can accompany patients to emergency departments in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The city has posted new guidelines in response to the virus.

They are also saying that visiting hours are restricted to 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and only one family member/caregiver is permitted to visit at any given time. Those who visit also have to be over the age of 18 unless they have been given special permission.

For those who are awaiting COVID-19 test results the city has posted the following instructions:

• If required, one family member/caregiver (over the age of 18 years) can accompany the patient in discussion with the team
• To minimize the risk to other patients, staff and visitors the caregiver will stay in the patient room wearing a mask at all times.
• If family member/caregiver needs to exit the room they will only do so as necessary, and exit the hospital directly.
• The family member/caregiver should not go to common areas in the hospital including cafeteria, gift shop etc.
• The family member/caregiver must wash their hands before touching their face and before eating.
• The family member/caregiver should notify staff if they are not feeling well

Hamilton Health Sciences is also saying that signs will be posted at all sites and that staff at are available to answer questions on-site. Anyone with questions to call them at 905-546-2424 x 7970.