Press Release
Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. has a “Visiting Policy” established to ensure patients are able to receive proper care in each of its facilities.
“The policy is in place to allow our patients to rest, receive treatment, and recuperate,” explained Lori Maki, vice-president, Clinical Services.
“For this reason, it is very important for the public to comply with the visiting policy,” she stressed.
Riverside encourages visitors to respect the needs and privacy of the patients they are visiting, as well as other patients and families.
“Oftentimes, we have very sick patients who are not up to visiting, however, the patient beside them may be well enough to have visitors,” Maki noted.
“Although we do not want to discourage people from visiting patients who want visitors, they do need to keep in mind that there may be another patient in the room who requires rest.”
Riverside only allows two visitors per patient at any given time at all of its facilities. All small children must be accompanied by an adult, and remain with an adult during the visit.
At La Verendrye hospital only, visitor passes must be obtained from the main reception desk in the front lobby.
After 5 p.m., they must be obtained from the Emergency reception desk.
Another important aspect of the visiting policy is that the public refrain from visiting patients at the hospital if they are not feeling well. Visitors are encouraged to self-screen and to wash their hands upon entering the hospital.
“We strongly encourage people not to visit at the hospital if they have any ’flu-like symptoms,” Maki stressed.
“From a patient safety perspective, we must ensure our patients are not put at risk of contracting infectious diseases while in hospital,” she noted.
For long-term care patients at the Emo and Rainy River Health Centres, and the complex continuing care unit at La Verendrye hospital, visiting hours are set for 11 a.m.-8 p.m. This allows for family members to come in and assist their loved ones at lunchtime.
The visiting hours for St. Andrew’s Ward at La Verendrye are from 2-8 p.m. daily. The maternity ward allows for partners to visit from 8 a.m. and grandparents may visit from 11 a.m.
Visiting for intermediate care patients is more restricted.
Riverside, however, does allow for flexibility. Special arrangements may be made outside of visiting hours.
“There are always special circumstances that will be accommodated, especially with palliative patients,” said Maki. “At these times, we do encourage family and friends to discuss their needs with the nurse manager.”
To obtain more information about Riverside’s “Visiting Policy,” go to www.riversidehealthcare.ca and click on the site, or contact Riverside administration at 274-4801.
