Visitation ban lifted at Western Memorial Hospital

Western Health announced yestertday that visitation restrictions have been lifted at Western Memorial Regional Hospital. The restrictions were in place do to an outbreak of stomach flu-like illness throughout the facility.

The health authority asks that people who have had vomiting and diarrhea or other flu like symptoms not visit any of Western Health's facilities. To prevent the spread of infection in any institution in the Western Health region, they also ask the public to follow these simple steps: wash/Sanitize your hands when entering or leave any of Western Health's facilities; there may be times when people are asked to follow special precautions or instructions, such as wearing gloves, gowns, masks or washing hands.

Western Health also reminds the public that visiting hours are now in effect. Visitors are reminded that they may only visit from 2 to 9 p.m. daily. Patients can have one designated person, who may stay longer.

As well, there can be no more that two individuals visiting each patient at one time, including children, who must be supervised by an adult and are only allowed to visit certain areas. The visitor's policy is different at certain units at Western Health facilities, like the Maternal Newborn and Women and Children's Health Units, where family centered care philosophy encourages the primary support person to stay 24 hours a day.