(Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

AHS limiting access for visitors and designated support persons at all sites

Apr 9, 2021 | 12:25 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Visitation to health facilities in the province is being limited even further.

Alberta Health Services is announcing that “due to case rates of COVID-19, community transmission and emerging COVID-19 Variants of Concern, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has made the difficult decision to limit access for designated support persons and visitors at our sites.”

They are encouraging patients, residents, family, and friends to maintain contact virtually at this time.

In-person access for the purpose of supporting patients and visitation is limited to only:

• Critical care, pediatrics and NICU – up to two (2) designated support persons
• End-of-life – one (1) designated support person at all times in addition to scheduled visitation by other family and visitors
• All other inpatient areas, including maternity – one (1) designated support person
• Ambulatory, emergency and urgent care – one (1) designated support person. Patients should maintain the same designated support person for any reoccurring ambulatory appointments.
• Continuing Care – Continuing care facilities operate under an approach to family/designated support and visitation based on CMOH Order 29-2020. See below for details

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AHS defines a designated support person as:

• A consistent individual identified by the patient as a needed support;
• Someone the patient wants involved in their care and health matters;
• 14 years of age or older;
• Can be a family member, close friend, or an informal/hired caregiver;
• Should be included as much as the patient/alternate decision-maker requests for palliative and end-of-life care, critical care, life-threatening diagnosis disclosure or as requested by the care team;
• Cannot be on isolation or quarantine for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 unless meeting the criteria of an exemption (see below); and
• Can support a patient with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 but must pre-book access with the service area and their visitation be approved by and under the direction of IP&C.
• A patient may identify a replacement designated support person if the original individual cannot perform their role due to quarantine, isolation, caregiver fatigue, etc.

AHS defines a visitor as:

• Individuals that have received government-approved compassionate exemptions;
• Spiritual/faith/religious leaders, elders, traditional knowledge keepers or legal supports requested by the patient/alternate decision-maker at the end of life; and
• Those with a scheduled visit to see a patient at the end-of-life.

Exceptions and exceptions for designated support access at acute care facilities:

• Pediatric Ambulatory: On a case-by-case basis, exceptions for having two (2) designated support persons may be considered by the clinic (in consultation with the site leadership) for circumstances where they are required, and where physical distancing requirements can be maintained. Examples could include but are not limited to:
  • End-of-life or goals of care discussions;
  • Significant diagnosis/change in medical status leading to poor prognosis and patient implications;
  • Behavioural challenges requiring two caregivers;
  • Medical or equipment needs requiring two caregivers; or
  • Involvement of Children’s Services
• Pediatric Inpatient: In consultation with the unit manager/charge nurse on a case-by-case basis, other support persons (e.g. disability support worker) may be permitted in addition to the two (2) designated support persons. Parents/guardians under quarantine/isolation for COVID-19 may be able to be present with their child.
• NEW – EFFECTIVE APRIL 8: Sibling visitation can be considered for long-stay pediatric patients in consultation with site leadership and IP&C. An adult must accompany children under the age of 14.
• Maternity: An additional designated support person may be considered by unit leadership or designate to meet the needs of some birthing circumstances (e.g., for infants born via surrogate and situations involving adoptive parents and guardians). In these cases, the infant may have a designated support person after birth.
  Maternity CMOH Exemption: a designated support person under quarantine/isolation may access in accordance with CMOH Exemption: Designated family & support person for obstetrical patients.
• Dependent Adults: Dependent adults can have one (1) designated support person. A person quarantined or isolated because of COVID-19 who has an adult-dependent may be eligible to accompany or visit the adult-dependent patient requiring medical care.
• End-of-Life: While it is difficult to be precise around when a patient/resident is at end-of-life, this generally refers to the last four to six weeks of life. All persons considered to be end-of-life can have one (1) designated support person who can be present as much as the patient/resident requests. Visitation at a patient’s end-of-life continues to be supported at all sites including for faith leaders, elders and traditional knowledge keepers. End-of-life is the only circumstance when visitors are allowed as requested by a patient or their decision maker. Please see below for details on end-of-life.
• UPDATED – Indigenous Wellness: AHS acknowledges the significance and importance of traditional Indigenous practices and protocols and promotes the involvement of AHS cultural helpers, traditional wellness counsellors, Indigenous Health and Hospital Liaisons or designated Community Health representatives where possible and per the guidance.
• UPDATED – Outdoor Visitation: Outdoor visitation is not encouraged at this time and will remain under review.

Should an outbreak of COVID-19 occur at any AHS facilities, additional restrictions may be implemented.

Contact your local facility to learn exactly what measures are in place.

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