Proof of vaccination for care partners soon to be required at NBRHC

The North Bay Regional Health Centre is announcing it is taking additional steps to protect our hospital community due to the provincial surge in COVID-19 infections.

Effective Monday, January 17, 2022, designated care partners of NBRHC patients must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 along with government-issued photo I.D upon each entry to the Health Centre.

For more information on the responsibilities of visitors and care partners at NBRHC, restrictions in place, and frequently asked questions, click here.

This does not apply to patients — patients may still enter the hospital regardless of vaccination status.

The new vaccination guidelines do not apply in some exceptional circumstances including (but not limited to): end-of-life, Birthing Unit, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), paediatric patients or patients with a developmental disability or cognitive impairment.

• Care partners who are not fully vaccinated, do not have a medical exemption and do not meet exception criteria will not be able to make in-person visits.
• Everyone entering the building, regardless of vaccination status, will still be required to follow NBRHC COVID-19 guidelines including passing COVID-19 screening, wearing a mask at all times, physical distancing, and visiting during designated hours only.
• Care partner visits are allowed between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.
• Inpatients are permitted two dedicated care partners (and one alternate when required).
• Inpatients may have two care partners at the bedside at one time where physical distancing is possible.
• Care partners have the option of entering and exiting throughout the day.

In-person visits are not allowed for suspected or positive COVID-19 patients. In these cases, the unit will help accommodate virtual visits using technology such as tablets. NBRHC reminds visitors restrictive entry is still in place in outpatient areas (Emergency Department, outpatient clinics).