Most visitors to Guelph General Hospital will soon need to show proof of vaccination

Guelph, ON Oct. 22, 2021 – Guelph General Hospital (GGH) is joining other local and Provincial hospitals by implementing a proof-of-vaccination requirement for those approved for visiting. Starting Tuesday, November 9, the move comes as an additional step to ensure the health and safety of staff and patients.

“Our goal is to balance the value essential visitors have in a patient’s healing process with the need to do everything we can to provide a safe environment for patients, staff and eventually volunteers,” says Melissa Skinner, VP Patient Services and Chief Nursing Executive.

At this point in time there will be some exceptions. They will include essential visitors of:

• Emergency Department patients
• Critically ill patients receiving critical care
• Patients for whom safe care cannot be provided without the support of the patient’s essential visitor
• Paediatric patients
• Patients experiencing a pregnancy loss

As well, the support person for women in labour or who are post-partum will be exempt.

Skinner wants to emphasis the new rule applies to visitors, not to patients. “No one will be denied care based on their vaccination status,” she says.

“Now it is more important than ever to take every step we can to further support the safety and well-being of those who receive care, visit, or work our hospital.”