The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) will be limiting visitation on Unit 1 to immediate family only beginning Saturday morning as patients continue to recover from gastrointestinal illness-like symptoms, says QEH Medical Director Dr. Rosemary Henderson.
“We are optimistic that the gastrointestinal illness on Unit 1 has run its course,” said Henderson. “It is important that we remain vigilant in ensuring that this illness has completely run its course before we can fully re-open the unit to all visitors. We won’t be able to make that decision until Tuesday; however, we do appreciate the important role a family has in a patient’s recovery which is why we will be limiting visitation over the long weekend to immediate family members only.”
Unit 1 remains closed to all visitors until 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, at which time the following visitor precautions will be put in place:
• Immediate family members only (spouse/partner, children, parents)
• Only two (2) visitors at one time per patient (this includes children)
• Visits should be kept brief (15 minutes)
• Follow general visiting hours
“We have had no new cases since Monday and patients affected earlier in the week are recovering well,” added Henderson. “We appreciate the work being done by staff to safely manage this situation and want to thank families and the public for their understanding. Should the situation change over the weekend, we will be sure to provide an update via the media.”
It remains extremely important that everyone coming to the hospital, including visitors and persons coming in for tests, x-rays or ambulatory procedures, clean their hands before and after entering a patient’s room, a department, and upon entering and leaving the facility. Alcohol hand-rinse stations are available throughout the building for this purpose.
Visitors to other nursing units at QEH are reminded that:
• General visiting hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Only two (2) visitors at a time per patient (this includes children)
• Children under the age of 12 are to be accompanied by an adult (other than the patient)
The situation will be reassessed Tuesday morning and officials will be providing a further update on visitor access to Unit 1 at that time.