Waterloo Region hospitals allowing ‘care partners’ for critically ill patients

WATERLOO REGION — Hospitals in Waterloo Region are allowing visitation by “care partners” for a list of patients that include those nearing end of life.

The new protocol came into effect at Cambridge Memorial Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital on Wednesday. Grand River Hospital expects to launch the program at its Kitchener location next week.

Care partners, as defined by Cambridge Memorial in an internal staff email, are “individuals identified by patients as being essential for their wellbeing, whose presence enhances their stay and contributes positively to their overall healing process. By contrast, visitors are people wanting to provide well wishes. Visitors are not yet allowed to come into the hospital.”

General visitation is still not permitted. St. Mary’s General is allowing for select patients to name up to two care partners, though only one will be allowed in the building at one time.

Eligible patients include those who are critically ill, receiving palliative care or are terminally ill and nearing end of life. Parents of children under the age of 18 will also be permitted.

Under the St. Mary’s General guidelines, care partners will assist with meals, mobility and personal care; supply communication assistance with hearing, visual, speech, cognitive, intellectual or memory impairment; provide assistance for persons with disabilities; give emotional support and help in decision-making.

Hospital-provided personal protective equipment will be required at all times.

“Care partners are not visitors,” the guidelines read. “Care partners are expected to be actively involved in a patient’s care for any of the reasons listed above. As such, the care partner’s stay should be limited to 2 hours (extenuating circumstances can be approved by the health care team).”

A care partner’s involvement may be re-evaluated if a patient’s condition or situation improves and the patient no longer meets the criteria.

And in the event of a future outbreak, access may be re-evaluated.

Cheryl Evans, spokesperson for Grand River, said Friday it has started working with small groups of patients at its Freeport campus this week, which has areas that can accommodate visitors.

“Patients have been asked to identify one care partner visitor with whom we can schedule hospital visits,” she said. “We are planning to initiate the same process at our K-W Campus this coming week. We are proceeding cautiously, by appointment, and with infection prevention and control protocols in place to support the health and wellness of all.”

Meanwhile, she said, the hospital is currently working on updating its visitor guidelines and hopes to share more information soon.