Sault Area Hospital announces more visitor restrictions

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT AREA HOSPITAL

************************* Increased visitor restrictions in effect at all SAH sites

November 3, 2009 - As a preventative measure, SAH is imposing visitor restrictions across all sites (Plummer, General, Thessalon, Matthews Memorial).

Reducing the number of people in the hospitals will help in limiting congestion and controlling the spread of infection.

It will also ensure adequate inventories of supplies such as masks for those in need of medical attention.

Additionally, these measures will help reduce the risk of infection to otherwise healthy individuals.

Effective immediately, and until further notice:

- Patients in the hospital (General, Plummer, Thessalon) will be limited to one visitor, and only during prescribed visiting hours

- Patients presenting at the Emergency Departments at any of the sites are to be accompanied by no more than one other person. Only the patient will be allowed in the examination area

- If you are coming to hospital for a clinic or procedure, please have no more than one adult accompany you

- SAH is also asking that the Emergency Department entrance at the General site be used only by those patients accessing the ED. All other visitors to the hospital will be rerouted to alternate entrances.

These restrictions will be strictly enforced, although allowances may be made for extenuating circumstances (e.g., small children or critically ill patients) on a case-by-case basis.

Although limited visitation is still allowed, we would ask the public’s cooperation in limiting or postponing visits to the hospitals as much as possible.

Anyone experiencing cold, flu or gastrointestinal symptoms (cough, fever, runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea), or those having household members exhibiting such symptoms, is strongly discouraged from visiting.

Those who do visit are reminded to please wash their hands often with the solution provided throughout the facilities, limit their movement within the hospital to the area/person they are visiting and respect visiting hours and any instructions given to you by staff.

For more information about SAH, including our visitor policy, please click here.

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