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Care partners support vulnerable patients in new hospital program

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is letting its most vulnerable patients have consistent access to a visitor with its new care partners program.

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The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is letting its most vulnerable patients have one regular visitor with its new care partners program.

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A care partner is “someone who provides critical and often ongoing personal, social, psychological and physical support, assistance and care, without pay,” said a hospital group statement.

Unlike casual visitors, care partners know their loved ones best and are uniquely aware of subtle changes in their behaviour or status, the statement said.

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The program began in the rehabilitation and complex continuing care units on the third floor at the Chatham hospital in mid-August.

Patients in these units have longer stays and often need support with their care. They’re allowed one care partner, who can visit from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The role is supported by the Ontario Hospital Association and The Change Foundation, a health-policy think tank in Ontario. Several other hospitals have similar programs.

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Care partners must be at least 18 years old. They’ll have to pass COVID-19 screening and follow all rules about masks, hand hygiene and physical distancing.

The program will be expanded to other areas of the hospital in a phased approach after being evaluated.

“Right now, it is important to balance the increased number of care partners with the need to maintain social distancing,” said the health alliance statement. “We will be guided by the need to ensure the safety of patients, health-care providers and our community.”

The health alliance continues to give patients access to tablets and iPads to connect with their loved ones.

Visitation is currently cancelled at the Chatham and Wallaceburg hospitals for all non-essential visitors.

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Inpatients actively dying, as determined by their most responsible physician, may have one visitor at a time.

Patients needing support – for example, those who are very frail or elderly, are non-verbal or severely disabled, or have dementia – can have a support person or advocate if the clinical provider or team approves.

Pediatric patients can have one adult caregiver.

In the emergency department, patients at imminent risk of dying can have a loved one present, patients with cognitive or mobility difficulties can be accompanied by one person, and pediatric patients can be joined by one adult.

Women in active labour can be accompanied by one adult visitor, who can also remain for her postpartum stay.

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