Visiting hours at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) are still suspended due to the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
However, there are exceptions being permitted for the following categories of patients:
1. Patients receiving palliative care and end-of-life care.
2. Pregnant patients who are in active labour.
3. Very ill patients who will be identified by the Department of Nursing Services.
4. Paediatric patients – a parent or guardian will be allowed to stay with these patients around the clock.
A statement from QEH said in these cases, visitation will be limited to one visitor per patient and managed through the Department of Nursing Services, while provision will continue to be made for either a relative or caregiver to deliver toiletries and fresh laundry to patients for whom visitation has been suspended.
These deliveries will be facilitated between noon and 1 p.m., and 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Similarly, patients seeking emergency care at the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) are advised that the following visitation restrictions are still in effect.
Only minors under the age of 18 and the elderly, who are considered to be at high risk of falling, may be disoriented, and those requiring assistance with regular daily activities, such as walking, using the bathroom and eating, will be allowed one visitor.
For all other AED patients, once found to be coherent, visiting continues to be suspended. In the event patients have been admitted, but continue to be housed in the AED or the Short Stay Unit, provision will be made for either a relative or caregiver to deliver toiletries and fresh laundry to these patients between noon and 1 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., in accordance with the QEH’s revised visiting hours’ policy.
Additionally, congregating outside of the AED is still prohibited, and all visitors are required to wear a mask; submit to a temperature check; and sign the visitors’ log book at the main entrance. These rules will be strongly enforced.
People are reminded that if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, sneezing, runny nose and or shortness of breath, or have been in contact with someone who has, they should not visit the QEH. (QEH/BGIS)
