by Jane Adams
Beginning October 25, visitors coming to Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Visitors and essential care partners will be required to show proof of vaccination along with photo identification. All visitors must also wear an approved face mask and face shield during their visit.
“This is an important next step to ensure the safety of everyone in the hospital environment,” explains Cholly Boland, CEO. “This new policy applies to visitors, not patients. Every patient will be cared for, regardless of vaccination status.”
Exemptions will be provided on a case-by-case basis for circumstances such as partners of patients in labour, pediatric patients in the Emergency Department, and patients at end-of-life. Learn more about WDMH’s exemptions on our website.
“As a hospital, we have a duty and commitment to protect the health and safety of our staff, patients, and visitors,” notes CEO Boland. “Getting vaccinated remains the most effective way to do this.”
Those who need proof of their vaccination status can download a receipt or QR code from the Ontario Health webpage. Anyone who has received their second shot less than two weeks before their visit will need to provide a negative test result taken within three days.
