Visitor guidelines have been changed for anyone trying to access to Chilliwack General and Fraser Canyon Hospitals, as well as long-term care homes, and assisted living facilities.
Only “essential visitors” can now enter CGH or FCH upon being screened at the hospital access point, which is one of the strategies being employed to follow recommendations for physical distancing and slowing the spread of COVID-19.
“In special cases, one designated visitor will be granted access upon confirmation from the in-patient unit for essential visits only including visits for compassionate care, such as end-of-life and critical illness; visits paramount to patient/client care and wellbeing, such as assistance with feeding or mobility,” according to an ‘Access to Care During COVID-19’ strategy developed jointly by Chilliwack Division of Family Practice and Fraser Health.
Access is being decided on a “case-by-case” basis and the changes were finalized last week. Everyone is being encouraged to use the email youvegotmail.CGH@fraserhealth.ca to send a message to a loved one in the hospital.
Any visitors with a runny nose, sniffles, cough and/or fever are asked to not enter any facility.
In terms of the emergency department and the outpatient care clinics, only one companion is allowed and only if deemed necessary for the patients support.
They clamped down completely on visitors for long-term care and assisted living facilities.
“Due to the fact that residents of both long-term care and assisted living facilities are individuals with an increased risk of developing severe illness upon becoming infected with COVID-19, Fraser Health has restricted visitor access until further notice.
“In special cases, this access will be granted for essential visits only including: visits for compassionate care/end-of-life.”
Other ways to communicate for families to stay connected include as FaceTime video chat, and can be arranged when contacting facilities directly.
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