Additional changes coming to Family Presence Guidelines on Monday, March 21

With evidence of consistent decreased community prevalence of COVID-19, Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) is in a position to further ease restrictions associated with the Family Presence Guidelines. We recognize the importance of patients being supported by their loved ones.

As of March 21, HHS will implement additional measures:

• Eliminating the need for patient care units and clinics to provide visitor lists to screening stations on a daily basis. Screeners will continue to ask individuals who approach the screening stations for the purpose of their visit.
• Permit patients attending ambulatory visits and the Emergency Department to have one essential caregiver/ support person accompany them to the visit. Pediatric inpatients continue to have provision for two caregivers/support persons.

Following infection, prevention and control principles continues to be important. This includes practicing hand hygiene, getting vaccinated and wearing a mask.

Food service locations are limited to take-out packaged options only. In accordance with COVID-19 restrictions, café and cafeteria seating areas are for staff use only. Additionally, we ask that people not eat or drink while in a patient’s room.

For more information on visitor guidelines, please visit our website at https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/covid19/patients/appointments-visiting/.