Orillia’s Soldiers Memorial Hospital (OSMH) will be tightening visitor restrictions Friday (Dec 11th).
It’s a proactive move in light of increased Covid-19 cases throughout the region.
Starting Friday, only people pre-determined to be ‘Essential Visitors or Care Partners’ will be permitted entry into the building.
Visiting hours are also being restricted from 10 am to 8 pm and there will be limitations on the length of time that visitors can remain inside the hospital.
The more restrictive policy includes allowances for a limited number of Essential Visitors during palliative, childbirth and other medical situations.
“We recognize how difficult visitor restrictions are for patients and families, however, we want to do everything we can now to protect our patients, families and staff,” says Carmine Stumpo, OSMH President and CEO.
In addition to those changes, visitors permitted access into the building will now be required to wear a hospital provided face mask at all times.
Previously, visitors were permitted to wear their own personal mask or face covering. The hospital is also enhancing staff screening practices as an additional measure to prevent potential spread.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has already reported 305 new cases for this week, a new high in the total number of weekly cases since the start of the pandemic.
Requests to become an Essential Visitor can be initiated by leaving a message with the hospital through a dedicated phone line, (705) 325-2201 Ext. 8097, and/or email address visiting@osmh.on.ca.
All requests will be reviewed with care teams and responded to as quickly as possible.
Photo via OSMH Twitter Account
