The Saskatchewan
Health Authority is updating the Family Presence guidelines for maternal units.
Effective
immediately, expectant mothers and families across Saskatchewan will now be
permitted to have two designated family members/support persons present during
their birthing experience. Designated family members/support persons are chosen by the mother and
family and may include but are not limited to partners, family members,
coaches, doulas or cultural support persons.
All maternal patients
and their designated family members/support persons will be screened for
COVID-19 upon arrival and be required to have a temperature check, wear a mask,
participate in hand hygiene and follow physical distancing guidelines. Designated
family members/support persons who are symptomatic for COVID-19 or who have
other risk factors will not be permitted. The designated family members/support
persons must be consistent during the duration of the patient’s stay. They may
leave the facility but cannot be switched out for another family member or
support person. Only designated family members/support persons will be
permitted at this time, other visitors, including siblings, will not be
allowed.
All maternal patients
will be offered an optional COVID-19 swab upon admission. Family members/support
persons will not be offered a COVID-19 swab.
The SHA continues to assess the impact of current visitation/family
presence restrictions, and is working to
clarify and ensure consistency in family presence guidelines at all SHA
facilities and long term care homes, while continuing to follow public health
orders.
For more information
on visitation/family presence guidelines, visit the new section on saskatchewan.ca/COVID19
under ‘Visiting SHA Facilities’.