NSHN Revises Visiting Policy

In accordance with a directive from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and in recognition of the important role of visitors in enhancing the quality of life and well-being of patients and residents, the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) has revised existing visitor restrictions. NSHN will continue to monitor COVID-19 activity in the catchment area and work closely with Algoma Public Health to inform and adjust visitation policies as needed.

Effective Tuesday June 23, 2020 visitation will resume as follows:

Emergency Department (All Sites) / Acute Care Unit (Blind River Site): Consideration will be given to the patient’s circumstances and the visitor’s role. Visitors should consider their personal health in determining whether visiting is appropriate. At this time, please limit to 2 visitors per patient, per day. All visitors will be screened at the Main Entrance, asked to perform hand hygiene and wear a mask. Clean handmade cloth masks are acceptable in most circumstances. Where cloth masks are not acceptable, NSHN will advise visitors and provide a surgical / procedure mask.  Where it is not possible or advisable for in-person visits, NSHN will continue to offer the Virtual Visiting Program.

Long-Term Care Unit (Blind River): The Ministry of Long-Term Care has provided guidelines for the resumption of outdoor visits in long-term care homes. Visitors should consider their personal health in determining whether visiting a long-term care home is appropriate. Where it is not possible or advisable for in-person visits, NSHN will continue to offer the Virtual Visiting Program

Prior to each visit the visitor must:

• Pass an active screening questionnaire.

• Attest to LTC staff that the visitor has tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous 2 weeks and subsequently not tested positive. The home is not responsible for providing the testing.

• Comply with long-term care home infection, prevention and control protocols, including proper use of face or surgical / procedure masks.

o    Phase 1: Outdoor Visiting Only

• NSHN has identified a dedicated outdoor area outside of the building where visitors can meet with loved ones. Workers will support the transfer of residents out of and into the home. 

• Only 1 visitor at a time is allowed per resident.

• Visitors are required to bring and wear their own face covering when visiting.

• All visits must be scheduled in advance.

• Visiting hours will be between 1:00 – 4:00 pm and 7:00 – 8:00 pm daily.

• Consideration will be given to visits outside of these hours on a case-by-case basis.

• To schedule a visit please contact Long-Term Care at 705-356-2265 ext. 2350.

Patient Accompaniment: Patients are requested to attend out-patient appointments alone. However, individuals who require assistance are permitted to have one person accompany them. All visitors will be screened at the Main Entrance, asked to perform hand hygiene and wear a mask. Clean handmade cloth masks are acceptable.

Visitors exhibiting signs of influenza-like illnesses (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, runny nose, or sneezing) will be asked to return home, and self-isolate. Visitors who have travelled outside of Canada are asked NOT to visit.

To book a COVID-19 test, please contact the NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 705-356-2265 ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon).

If you need immediate medical attention, please call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.