Keeping our Patients and Staff Safe; HDGH moves to no Visitors

At Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH), our priority is to ensure that our staff, patients and physicians are protected during this COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, effective Saturday, March 21, 2020, visitors are being restricted to only patients who require end-of-life care. These patients are limited to one visitor at a time. All visitors at HDGH must be over the age of 18. No children or youth under the age of 18 are allowed to visit patients. There will be no other exemptions.

This decision does not come easily for the hospital, recognizing the impact this will have on our patients, their loved-ones and families physically, emotionally and from a mental health perspective. Knowing this, the hospital has worked closely with its Patient and Family Advisory Council Chair to ensure the organization has proactive responses to some of its anticipated questions and concerns.

A letter and FAQ document has been given to HDGH patients and families notifying of this change. In addition, a dedicated phone line has been created to receive any questions patients or families may have. This number is 519-257-5111 ext. 74747 where a voicemail can be left. Hospital leadership is encouraging the use of this phone, lessening the impact on its frontline staff who continue to deliver the exceptional care Windsor’s only post-acute hospital is known for. Signage will also be updated at its two entrances.

HDGH is in the process of establishing a Family Support Team. This team will provide companionship and support for our patients. The west-end hospital is also exploring technological solutions to support communication between patients and their loved ones. It’s goal – to ensure that patients can connect with their love-one’s regular basis. Patients were notified yesterday that television services would also become complimentary

HDGH will continue to update our COVID-19 information on our website.