RVH Launches New Visitor And Essential Care Partners Policy

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) is pleased to announce the launch of its new Visitor and Essential Care Partner Presence Policy. Effective Thursday, June 1, visitors are welcome any time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. with some exceptions. Essential Care Partners (ECP) are welcome 24 hours a day.

“RVH recognizes the important role Essential Care Partners and visitors play in promoting a supportive patient centered journey. Patient and TEAM RVH safety remains our top priority, however, with declining cases of COVID-19, we know it is the right time to introduce these welcome changes which will enhance the overall patient experience,” Rachel Kean, Vice President, Quality, Risk and Patient Experience & Chief Privacy Officer.

An ECP is someone appointed by a patient or Substitute Decision Maker and can include family members, close friends, or other caregivers to provide support and function as a member of the care team. ECPs can attend the hospital more frequently and consistently and are not limited by regular visiting hours. Further details about the program and how to become an ECP can be found on RVH’s website.

For visitors, exceptions include the Child and Youth Mental Health unit where visiting hours are seven days a week from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. and the Adult Mental Health unit, where they are Monday to Fridays from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Exceptions may apply to other specialty care areas, please speak with the patient’s care team first.

Children (less than 18 years) supervised by an adult, who is not the patient, are welcome. Children and the responsible adult must remain together at all times.

As a reminder, masking is optional in most public areas within RVH. Masking remains mandatory upon entering in-patients rooms; areas where patients are immunocompromised (e.g., cancer centre and dialysis); where there is risk to in-patients; and in areas, such as the Emergency Department.