Further visitor restrictions being implemented at KHSC sites

Beginning on Saturday, Mar. 21, 2020, Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) will be implementing further restrictions on visitors within its Kingston General Hospital and Hotel Dieu Hospital sites.

According to KHSC, only essential visitors will be permitted. That includes those who have a loved one who is dying or very ill, a parent or guardian of an ill child or youth, a visitor of a patient undergoing surgery, or a visitor of a woman giving birth. Those with cognitive and/or mobility difficulties may also be accompanied by one person in the emergency department or urgent care centre.

“These further restrictions are needed to protect our staff and patients as the pandemic continues to rapidly evolve,” said Dr. David Pichora, President and CEO of KHSC, in a press release on Friday, Mar. 20, 2020. “Once again, we appreciate that this will be difficult for many of our patients, but we are counting on everyone to stay home and help us prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Under exceptional circumstances, support persons allowed to enter the hospital sites will be screened and should be prepared to answer questions related to travel history and health symptoms, KHSC said. Those who fail the screening will not be permitted to enter the hospitals.

At this time, KHSC encourages people to keep in touch with their loved ones in hospital by phone or other technologies