During the pandemic, visitor restrictions have been required to limit the spread of the virus. However, we must balance the risk of transmission with compassionate patient and family-centred care.
We want to ensure patients are not alone:
- in circumstances where a patient is likely to be distressed and need to be with family and friends, such as after a significant new diagnosis such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiac conditions, as well as for patients with dementia, delirium or requiring a significant treatment intervention,
- during extended hospital stays (more than seven days),
- on culturally significant days,
- on personally significant days, such as patients’ or immediate family members’ birthdays and wedding/civil union anniversaries.
So, we have expanded our definition of a ‘support person’ to encompass these situations and actively facilitate visits in such situations.
One support person may visit for one hour, once per day (unless otherwise negotiated with the Nurse Manager).
Two people may visit for end-of-life support for two hours.
You can find further details and example scenarios in the new Patient Visits During COVID-19 procedure on PROMPT.
Approved by: Adjunct Professor Katrina Nankervis, Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer, Executive Director, Residential Care & Support Services