The Saskatchewan Health Authority has expanded its criteria for compassionate reasons about visiting loved ones in the hospital or in long-term care.
Quality of life will be taken into consideration in long-term care and if the support of a loved one is needed, 2 people can be designated for visits with one person present at a time.
That’s compared to no visitors being allowed since the beginning of the pandemic.
CEO Scott Livingstone adds that critical care and intensive care patients at the hospital will now be included in the compassionate care definition, which was previously just for those who were dying, and palliative care has been expanded so 2 family members or support people can be there at the same time.
For patients with challenges around comprehension, decision making or mobility due to a disability, a family member or support person is allowed for inpatient, outpatient, emergency and urgent care.
The health authority has also created guidelines to safely support outdoor visits, which aren’t limited to one person at a time.
Dr. Susan Shaw says this is about finding that balance between working though the public health measures while recognizing health is more than physical health – it’s also emotional, spiritual and mental health.
Safety guidelines remain in place and visitors will have the same screening as staff.
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