Bluewater Health has announced its reinstating enhanced visitor restrictions due to the significant spread of COVID-19 in Sarnia-Lambton.
President and CEO Mike Lapaine said the changes will be implemented at the Sarnia and Petrolia sites this Wednesday, in order to maintain hospital readiness for surges in patient volumes.
Lapaine said labouring mothers, paediatric patients, patients undergoing urgent surgery, or patients who are at the end-of-life will be allowed only one consistent visitor throughout their stay.
He said the designated visitors will be screened for symptoms, recent exposures and are required to check in at the front entrance and nurses' station.
“The safety and security of the community, our patients, and our staff at Bluewater Health is our top priority," Lapaine said in a new release issued Monday afternoon.
"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.”
Lapaine said the hospital will continue to offer virtual visits for inpatients, and those with their own devices are encouraged to connect through video or telephone calls.
Bluewater Health reported six COVID-positive patients in hospital Monday, one in intensive care.
Sarnia-Lambton’s COVID-19 caseload since March reached 999 Monday, with 293 of the cases considered active.