Grey Bruce Health Services is going to be easing more of the visitor restrictions it had implemented during the emergency period of the pandemic.
GBHS says as of Wednesday, June 8, for the majority of patients, there will be two visitors permitted at the bedside at a time, and in most cases, there will be no restrictions on visiting hours.
Visitors will no longer need to show proof of vaccination, but they must continue to wear a surgical grade mask at all times while in the hospital.
GBHS adds to maintain physical distancing in their clinic areas, only one person will be allowed to accompany a person to outpatient appointments.
The following will be applied to the hospitals in Lion’s Head, Markdale, Meaford, Owen Sound, Southampton, and Wiarton:
-Inpatients will be allowed two visitors at the bedside at a time 24/7
-Two parents or guardians will be allowed in the neonatal intensive care unit, but not children will be permitted 24/7
-Two support people will be allowed in obstetrics, labour and delivery for labour and delivery. Only one support person will be able to stay, however, post-partum with the mother 24/7, and one additional person can visit between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
-Two parents of guardians will be allowed for pediatric under the age of 16 for both inpatients and outpatients.
-One one visitor over the age of 16 will be allowed per mental health inpatients in units 4-4 and 4-5 between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Outpatients will only be allowed one support person for oncology and chemotherapy, ambulatory care, the emergency department, and diagnostic imaging. For those going in for day surgeries, they are to come alone unless a support person is needed for accessibility reasons.
GBHS say they recognize the importance of visitors to the health and well-being of patients, and is pleased to be gradually welcoming more visitors into hospitals.
