COVID-19: LHSC Implements Visitor Vaccination Policy November 1 – London | The Canadian News

Starting November 1, visitors to the London Health Sciences Center (LHSC) will be subject to a COVID-19 vaccine policy.

Under current pandemic protocols, LHSC only allows “caregivers” to visit or accompany patients. Often family members or close friends, these visitors are familiar with the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and personal values.

“Social visitors”, who are traditional visitors not identified as a care partner, are not allowed at this time.

Under the upcoming vaccination policy, all caregivers will need to show proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination before they can enter.

The policy does not apply to patients and LHSC advises individuals not to delay seeking or receiving care based on vaccination status.

LHSC Medical Director Dr. Adam Dukelow says there will be limited exceptions to the policy, including those that support patients in labor and parents or guardians who accompany children to appointments.

Visitors who fall within the exceptions will also be subject to additional protocols aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19.

“Authorized people in the building who are not vaccinated as caregivers will be asked to go directly to the room of the patient they are helping to care for and not visit any public spaces, such as cafeterias or other parts of the building, and be he will ask that they wear a mask during their entire visit, ”Dukelow said.

Last week, LHSC shared the results of another vaccination policy directed at staff.

The policy had given workers until October 22 to present proof of vaccination or proof of an accommodated exemption.

The hospital network says 84 employees will be laid off after they missed the deadline and the privileges of “fewer than five” doctors were suspended for the same reason.

Another 81 employees who pledged to be fully vaccinated have received unpaid leave and will resume their duties once they receive their second dose.

Layoffs represent less than one percent of the total number of people employed by LHSC.

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