Regulations revised for patient visits at MCMH

Group visits are no longer permitted at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

This is one of the revised regulations for patient visits at the country’s main hospital, which were published in a press release by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment.

According to the release, the 11 am to 12 noon visiting hour slot has been removed. Visiting hours are now only from 3 pm to 5 pm.

The release also said that no more than two persons will be permitted to see a patient at any one time on the general adult wards or on the Paediatric Ward.

In relation to the Maternity B ward, no more than one person will be permitted to visit a patient at one time. And the recommended maximum time limit for visits is 10 minutes.

“The visitor would be required to state the name and ward for the patient he/she would like to visit,” the release said. “Visitors must present a picture ID at the Security Booth. The ID would be kept and the visitor pass will be issued to persons granted entry. The ID would be returned on exit and the pass surrendered.”

The release noted that the visitor pass is specific to a particular ward and cannot be used for a different ward.

And only persons holding a “pass” will be allowed to visit a patient.

Additionally, persons who are ill or who may have been exposed to persons infected with COVID-19 are asked not to visit the hospital.

Persons who have been in SVG for less than 14 days are also being asked not to visit the hospital.

“Patients requiring entry to the facility for the purpose of accessing other services will be expected to show supporting documentation (prescription, appointment cards, hospital bill, forms for procedures, etc.),” the release said.

The general public is also being asked to ensure that personal supplies for loved ones are brought within visiting hours.

“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. These regulations have been updated at a time when the world is facing a coronavirus pandemic. The safety of our patients, staff and the public is a top priority. Thank you,” the release said.