Guelph General Hospital says it is joining other health centres by implementing a proof-of-vaccination requirement for visitors.
Officials said the move comes as an additional step to ensure the health and safety of staff and patients.
Read more: Kitchener hospitals to require visiting care partners to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
“Our goal is to balance the value essential visitors have in a patient’s healing process with the need to do everything we can to provide a safe environment for patients, staff and eventually volunteers,” said Melissa Skinner, vice-president of patient services and chief nursing executive.
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The exceptions to the new rule are essential visitors of:
- Emergency department patients
- Critically ill patients receiving critical care
- Patients for whom safe care cannot be provided without the support of the patient’s essential visitor
- Paediatric patients
- Patients experiencing a pregnancy loss
The hospital also added that a support person for women in labour or who are post-partum will be exempt.
The new rule applies only to visitors and not patients.
“No one will be denied care based on their vaccination status,” Skinner said.
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“Now it is more important than ever to take every step we can to further support the safety and well-being of those who receive care, visit, or work our hospital.”
The new protocol comes into effect on Nov. 9.
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