SHA to ease family presence limitations at Regina hospitals

Changes are coming to family presence and visitation limitations at Regina’s hospitals.

In a media release Friday, the Saskatchewan Health Authority said it was easing restrictions from Level 3 to Level 2 at the General and Pasqua hospitals starting Monday.

According to the SHA, the move was made “due to a decrease in COVID-19 outbreaks” at the hospitals.

Visitation in Level 3 of the SHA’s plan for family presence during a pandemic is for end-of-life reasons only, and includes palliative care, hospice care or a shift in the condition of a patient.

Under Level 2, all patients can select one essential family member or support person to provide in-person aid.

“Timing and frequency of family presence is to be determined in collaboration with the staff, patient and essential family/support person based on patient needs and considerations of the care team/service area,” the SHA said.

More than one person can be permitted in situations involving critical care or intensive care units, end-of-life or palliative care, or maternal, postpartum or pediatric units.

The SHA said family members and support people will have to undergo a health screening prior to entering the hospital, which will include a temperature check and questionnaire. They’ll also have to perform proper hand hygiene and wear a medical grade mask and possibly personal protective equipment if required.

More information about family presence and visitation is available here.