Visitor restrictions in ERs a challenge for families and patients, advocate says
CTV
Visitor restrictions to prevent COVID-19 from spreading in hospitals are making it difficult for patients and their loved ones to deal with a health crisis, according to family members and a foundation that supports patients and caregivers.
Visitor restrictions to prevent COVID-19 from spreading in hospitals are making it difficult for patients and their loved ones to deal with a health crisis, according to family members and a foundation that supports patients and caregivers.
“A lot of loved ones haven’t been able to participate in that diagnosis, in some of the treatments,” said Michael Schiefer, executive director of the Never Alone Cancer Foundation.
Just this week at least one family contacted Manitoba’s health minister with concerns about accessing the emergency department to be with a sick relative.
The family, who wishes to remain anonymous at this time, said this week they contacted Health Minister Audrey Gordon because an essential care partner wasn’t allowed to be at their sick loved one’s side despite both patient and visitor being fully vaccinated.
Schiefer sympathizes with the family. The organization he leads provides informational, emotional and financial support to people living with cancer and their families.
Schiefer himself has tried to visit people who are sick with cancer in Winnipeg ERs during the pandemic but hasn’t always been allowed in.
“And certainly the ERs are a big barrier because they don’t allow anyone in unless there’s really overriding circumstances,” Schiefer said.
