Updated January 10, 2021

The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has issued the following updated visitor and Patient care guidelines.

The health and safety of our patients, families and staff members is our top priority. Therefore, as much as possible, our visitation guidelines balance preventing the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 with the needs of our patients and their loved ones. Visitors MUST BE 18 years or older, except for those under 18 years who are parents of patients. Guidelines may vary slightly depending on care needs and where the patient is located.

We continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in our community and may update the guidelines as needed to provide safe care to everyone.

Visitors will be screened daily for COVID-19 symptoms through temperature /sanitizer stations located at every entrance and exit, and they will not be able to stay if they:

  • Feel sick
  • Have symptoms of COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms
  • Tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 within the last three weeks.
  • Have been advised to get a COVID-19 test but have not yet obtained one.
  • Are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test.
  • Have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last two weeks.
  • Have been asked to be on home quarantine or isolation.

Face masks are required and expected to be worn at all times. Neck gaiters, bandanas, masks with exhalation valves, or clear shield-like face masks are not permitted to be worn as face coverings at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC).

ONLY ONE VISITOR AT A TIME, per patient on the Adult Medical/Surgical areas welcomed. Please note; this could change, depending on the area of the hospital and patient circumstances.

Visitation for adult patients at our Medical & Surgical Units is from 4pm to 5pm (change effective: Jan. 11, 2022).

ALL visitors must access the hospital through the main entrance
Parents/Guardians of pediatric patients may visit from 10:30am to 9pm. Also, one parent/guardian can room in overnight.

Maternity patients are allowed one birth coach during active labor and visitors from 11am to noon. Also, ONLY parents are allowed to visit babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during that same time (11am to noon).

Patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are allowed visitors from 11am to noon.

Practice physical distancing (including to the extent possible in the patient’s room).

Wash hands or use hand sanitizer often, including upon entering the hospital and at each entry and exit from the patient’s room.
Remain in the patient’s room except to use the restroom, get something to eat or drink outside of the patient’s room, if they are directed to do so by the care team, or to exit for the day.

Overnight stays for one care partner are permitted for adult patients in a private room if either the patient or the care partner is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

THIS POLICY COULD CHANGE (without notice) depending on the overall hospital risk level. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second shot of a two-dose vaccine or two weeks after a one-dose vaccine.

Care partners and visitors must follow all safety precautions, even if vaccinated against COVID-19.

Important Details
Visitation risk levels will be evaluated weekly, and any changes communicated at Reception and online via the hospital’s social media pages. If conditions worsen, we will initiate and communicate further restrictions, as needed.