The Saskatchewan Health Authority has announced that visitor restrictions at all SHA facilities will continue to stay in place for the safety of all residents, staff, and patients, but have made some temporary changes.
Visitors are still not allowed in SHA facilities for reasons other than compassionate care, such as family at end-of-life care or prior to a major surgery.
Beginning April 22, one visitor at a time is allowed for in-person for compassionate reasons, provided they are a family member, spouse, or a support person with which the patient has a similar relationship.
Two visitors at a time will be allowed in certain departments of health care, provided both are confirmed to be healthy and approved by the unit manager or charge nurse. These departments include maternal and postpartum units, pediatric units, intensive care and NICU units, or any critical care situations.
Residents in long-term care may also have two approved visitors for compassionate care, if the resident’s care needs can’t be met by their care team, but only one visitor can be present at a time.
Patients who have challenges such as mobility, hearing, visual, or memory impairment may now have one visitor.
All visitors to SHA facilities will now have to undergo health screening, including a temperature check and questionnaire, before entering the facility and will be expected to wear a mask and possibly other personal protective equipment if needed.
Visitors will not be allowed to wait in waiting rooms or common areas at this time.
The SHA is also no longer allowing items such as food or beverages to be dropped off at facilities, but a designated visitor will be able to bring such items to a patient or resident directly.
Otherwise, SHA restrictions remain in place. Non-urgent and elective surgeries are still discontinued for now, and facilities remain closed to public visitors at this time. Emergency care services are still available to all residents.
The SHA asks that residents support and cooperate with the restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19.
