safety steps

𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗦𝗔𝗣𝗣 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟! 𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗞: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaN7nmQGOj9na4QhBa12

The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) will implement updated visitor policies for its Emergency Department, effective Monday, September 1, 2025. The changes are designed to support a safe, respectful, and healing environment for patients, families, and healthcare staff.

The updated policy outlines new visiting hours, age restrictions, health screening expectations, and onsite protocols—including mandatory visitor badges.

“We know that family presence plays an important role in healing, but we must also prioritize safety and clinical care—especially in our high-demand Emergency Department,” said Dr. Olsheath Bowen, Chair of the SLBMC Emergency Department.

“These updates allow us to better manage our environment while still making space for compassionate, patient-centered care.”

Dr. Bowen added, “Staff have worked diligently to make the process as efficient as possible, and we’ve mirrored procedures already in place for other hospital visitors. Requiring check-in and issuing visitor passes adds an important layer of security for both patients and staff.”

She further emphasized, “It’s important to note that this visitor policy does not affect our usual practice of ensuring that patients who need support—such as minors, elderly persons, individuals with intellectual disabilities, or those experiencing a mental health crisis—are accompanied by an adult when accessing care.”

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:

• 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭: Maximum of two visitors per patient during visiting hours

• 𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Children must be 12 years or older to visit

• 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲: 24/7 drop-off and pick-up remains available at the front desk

• 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤-𝐈𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: All visitors must register at the Emergency Department front desk

• 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲: Masking remains responsive to current hospital and community conditions

• 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: Visitors with symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat) are asked not to visit

“This updated policy reinforces our commitment to both patient care and staff well-being,” said Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, SLBMC Medical Director.

“It reflects current best practices in hospital operations and infection control, while recognizing the vital role families play in patient support.”

The new guidelines are part of SLBMC’s ongoing efforts to improve patient experience and strengthen hospital operations. Full details of the policy will be posted at the Emergency Department entrance.