(Peterborough, ON) – With COVID-19 activity decreasing in the community and the hospital, PRHC is moving to a less restrictive phase of our visiting policy beginning Wednesday, June 16.

This phase of our temporary policy represents an easing of visiting restrictions that have been in place since January 2021, while continuing to limit traffic through the hospital. Under this phase of the temporary policy, the following key changes will take effect:

  • PRHC will return to alternate day/alternate unit visits for patients who are currently permitted once-per-week visits
  • Designated essential caregivers will be permitted to switch out during the same day in Critical Care

Visiting hours for inpatients on general hospital units will continue to be 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., subject to additional restrictions in each area as detailed on PRHC’s public website here: https://www.prhc.on.ca/about-us/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/visiting-prhc-during-covid/.

PRHC continues to strongly encourage the use of our Virtual Visiting program to support ongoing family presence while helping to keep our patients, staff and community safe. For more information about booking a visit through this program, call 705-876-5815 or email virtualvisits@prhc.on.ca.

What is a designated essential caregiver?

In the hospital setting, an essential caregiver or care partner is a person who provides support to an individual with limited capacity, an urgent medical condition, age-related issues, disability or chronic health concerns. Caregivers may be family, friends or neighbours, and there is no age requirement to provide care. Young caregivers, adult children, spouses and peers can all provide support. These individuals are considered essential when their presence is deemed beneficial to the assessment, diagnosis, and physical and/or mental health care of the patient.

Designated essential caregivers coming to the hospital will continue to be screened at both public entrances and will be required to check in with their name and phone number at the hospital’s main information desk. They will be asked to wear a mask at all times when in the hospital, including in the patient/bed area, and to clean their hands well and frequently while at the hospital.

This phase of PRHC’s temporary visiting policy will remain in effect until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation and diligence as we work together to keep our patients, families and community safe.

For other news, updates, information and resources related to COVID-19, visit our website at: https://www.prhc.on.ca/about-us/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/

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For more information: Michelene Ough | Director, Communications | mough@prhc.on.ca