DEFINITIONS 

General Visitor (Visitor)1. General Visitor (Visitor)

• A visitor is defined as someone whose time with the patient is discretionary and short-term/temporary. This can include:
• visits that occur for purposes that are social in nature
• individuals who are not involved in the direct care of the patient
• A visitor is not considered an Essential Care Partner

 Essential Care Partner

• An Essential Care Partner (ECP) is defined as a person who will provide physical and/or psychological support, which is deemed important to the patient's care. Essential Care Partners directly impact the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being and safety of patients.
• ECP presence improves patient safety, reduces harm, improves the quality of care, patient outcomes, and patient care experiences, as well as contributes to better staff morale and communication between health care teams and patients. ECP care can include support in decision-making, care coordination, and continuity of care.
• An Essential Care Partner (ECP) is identified by the patient and/or substitute decision-maker, and/or the care team.
• Essential Care Partners are an integral and essential part of care provision. An Essential Care Partner is not considered a visitor.

Emergency
Department  

1. One (1) ECP or one (1) visitor for each ED patient per ED visit.
2. The total number of ECP/visitors at one time will not exceed one (1) person.
3. Both parents/guardians of a minor child will always be allowed.
4. The ECP will be provided a visitor information card by ED staff, and then directed to the main lobby for COVID screening.

Outpatient visits,
day surgery and procedures

1. All Outpatient Departments will be allowed one (1) Essential Care Partner (ECP) or one (1) visitor per visit.
2. Diagnostic Imaging - one (1) Essential Care Partner (ECP) or one (1) visitor for obstetrical appointments only.
3. Both parents/guardians of a minor child will always be allowed in any outpatient department.

Inpatients

1. Any two (2) fully vaccinated visitors allowed for any inpatient at Lake of the Woods District Hospital between the hours of 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
2. Both parents/guardians of a minor child will always be allowed.
3. Staff will facilitate the use of technology (iPad) for patients to communicate/visit with family as able.
4. Decisions regarding extenuating circumstances/exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with Infection Control/Occupational Health and Safety, the Unit Manager, and the Nursing Supervisor.

Inpatients, COVID positive

1. No visitors allowed for COVID positive inpatients at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.
2. Staff will facilitate the use of technology (iPad) for patients to communicate/visit with family as able.
3. Decisions regarding extenuating circumstances/exceptions will be made on a case by case basis, in collaboration with Infection Control/Occupational Health and Safety, the Unit Manager, and the Nursing Supervisor.

Maternity Inpatients

1. Any two (2) fully vaccinated visitors allowed in the Maternity Unit between the hours of 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
2. Maternity inpatients will be permitted two (2) ECP/labour partners. Having full COVID-19 vaccination will be preferred but is not required for the ECP/labour partners. 
   
3. The total number of ECP/labour partners/visitors at one time will not exceed two (2) people. (including children of laboring patient)
4. The labouring patient will choose their ECP/labour partners in advance of the delivery.
5. Decisions regarding extenuating circumstances/exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with Infection Control/Occupational Health and Safety, the Unit Manager, and the Nursing Supervisor.

Outdoor Visits

1. Outdoor visiting is allowed at this time.

Extenuating Circumstances/
Exceptions

1. All extenuating circumstances and exceptions are considered, discussed, and approved by the Team Lead, in collaboration with the Unit Manager and/or Nursing Supervisor.
2. Exceptions can only be authorized by Unit Manager and/or Nursing Supervisor.
3. Visitors may be re-evaluated for extenuating circumstances/exceptions, including but not limited to:

• critical illness
• pediatrics
• palliative care
• hospice care
• end-of-life
  (for whom imminent death is anticipated or possible in the next 7 days)
• Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)

5. If requested by the patient, a religious leader or traditional healer may be permitted, if the religious leader or traditional healer is fully vaccinated, and if the room is large enough to accommodate physical distancing.