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Alberta Health Services limit visitor access in the province’s maternity units to a single support person per patient.
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In a series of tweets posted online Thursday, AHS said the new rules will be fully implemented on Monday in an effort to manage the growing impact of COVID-19 in hospitals.
“These adjustments are necessary to protect the health and safety of our patients / staff and to support patient care as we manage capacity challenges, ”said AHS.
“COVID-19, particularly the Delta variant, is highly infectious and pregnant people are at increased risk for serious outcomes.”
In early September, the medical director of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said The fourth wave of COVID-19 is sending more unvaccinated pregnant women to Alberta ICUs than during previous waves of the pandemic.
In the six cases the province saw in August, Hinshaw said COVID-19 had serious impacts on the health of the parents and the child. Five preterm deliveries occurred at 29 weeks, she said while urging women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to get vaccinated.
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On Twitter Thursday, AHS said rRequests from a patient for two designated support persons will be considered on a case-by-case basis and that support persons cannot enter the hospital if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact of a positive or possible COVID. -19 case.
“We know that it is important for patients to have their loved ones present at this time, however we encourage patients, family and friends to stay connected virtually or by phone whenever possible rather than in person.“AHS said.
Reference-edmontonjournal.com