COVID-19 Visitor Information for St. Joseph's Hospital
Visitor restrictions may change at any time, without prior notice.
General Guidance
- Only visit with the client you are here to see.
- If feeling unwell, postpone your appointment or visit until feeling better.
- Maintain physical distance of two metres (six feet) from all other clients, staff and visitors.
- Stay only in designated areas.
- Clean your hands often.
Entering St. Joseph's Hospital
Indoor Visits with Inpatient Clients
- Clients can identify and visit with up to two (2) Essential Visitors and one (1) Other Visitor.
- Essential Visitors will be asked to confirm their identity with photo identification when they arrive.
- Pets are allowed with proper paperwork completed.
Safety Precautions
- Visitors must clean hands with hand sanitizer when entering and exiting the building, before and after putting protective equipment, and as needed throughout the visit.
- Visitors must wear the surgical mask provided at all times while inside the building. No cloth or personal masks are permitted.
- Upon entering the building, visitors must report to the COVID-19 screening station.
- Visits that take place outside of the client room in common spaces must be coordinated with the nursing station.
Visits with Clients at End-of-Life
- Clients can identify eight (8) End-of-life visitors and one (1) Other Visitor.
- Only two (2) visitors are allowed in the building at a time, and visitors will be asked to confirm their identity with photo identification when they arrive.
- There are no time limits or set visiting hours.
- Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and must be able to wear a surgical mask.
- Pets are allowed.
Safety Precautions
- Visitors must clean hands with hand sanitizer when entering and exiting the building, before and after putting protective equipment, and as needed throughout the visit.
- Visitors must wear the surgical mask provided at all times while inside the building. No cloth or personal masks are permitted.
- Upon entering the building, visitors must report to the COVID-19 screening station.
- Visits that take place outside of the client room in common spaces must be coordinated with the nursing station.
Clients with Outpatient Appointments
Companions
Each client can have one companion accompany them for appointments if assistance is essential for one or more of the following reasons:
- Mobility
- Cognitive
- Significant language barrier
- Age 16 or younger
- Intellectual or developmental disability
Safety Precautions
Clients and their Companions must both adhere to the following:
- Put on a surgical mask provided by St. Joseph’s Care Group before entering the building. Cloth and other personal masks are not permitted.
- Upon entering the building, report to the COVID-19 screening station.
- Clean hands with hand sanitizer when entering or exiting our building, before and after putting on your mask and as needed.
Outdoor Visits with Inpatients Clients
- Clients may have outdoor visits with two (2) Essential Visitors and two (2) General Visitors for a total of four (4) outdoor visitors at a time during visiting hours.
- Visiting hours are between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm daily.
- Pets are allowed.
Safety Precautions
- Clients and visitors must wear surgical masks and practice physical distancing during their visit.
Visitor Definition
Essential Visitor
The person identified by the client or substitute decision maker (SDM) to provide essential supports to the client. Essential visitors may be substituted to another individual by the client or SDM in consultation with the manager. A paid caregiver who provides direct care for support feeding, mobility, hygiene, cognitive stimulation may be considered as an essential visitor. The Essential visitor can be substituted in consultation with the program manager.
End-of-Life Visitors
End-of-Life Visitors are only permitted when a client’s condition has deteriorated and is approaching end-of-life - generally within 14 days.
Other
One (1) additional visitor, in addition to the essential visitor(s) requested; the client may request cultural, spiritual, or religious providers to visit and/or participate in cultural, traditional, religious ceremonies and practices for client's receiving end-of-life care or episodically. This may also include emotional support from a Hospice Northwest volunteer. Clients with spinal cord injury may request support from a member of the Spinal Cord Network. Such visits will be prioritized and facilitated where possible.
Additional Resources
For visitor information on Seniors' Supportive Housing or Long-Term Care Homes, please follow their respective links.
-- Updated: July 16, 2021 --
