HPHA Requiring Family & Caregivers to be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 effective November 1
October 08, 2021
The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance’s (HPHA) top priority is keeping our patients, families, caregivers, staff and physicians safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective November 1, 2021, family and caregivers must provide government issued photo identification and proof of full vaccination before entering any of the HPHA sites. Acceptable proof is the Ontario Enhanced Vaccine Certificate provided by the Ministry of Health (in paper or electronic form). Full vaccination is achieved 14 days after the second dose.
“In making this decision we are adopting a recommendation from our Patient & Caregiver Partner Steering Committee,” says Andrew Williams, President and CEO. “Our primary responsibility to those needing our hospitals for care and to our team is to provide as safe an environment as possible. Requiring full vaccination against COVID-19 is one of the best ways of achieving this.”
Family and caregivers who have a valid medical exemption, signed by a doctor or nurse practitioner will be required to show their documentation.
HPHA recognizes the importance of family and caregiver presence for the health and wellbeing of our patients. Clinical exceptions that would permit the presence of non-vaccinated family and caregiver(s) will apply for:
- patients who are children or infants,
- palliative patients
- patients experiencing an unpredictable or urgent circumstance, including end of life, a mental health crisis or childbirth
Clinical exceptions will also apply to those patients who require support due to a cognitive impairment, developmental or intellectual disability or language barrier.
Read the full Family and Caregiver Presence Guidelines.
Please note these guidelines apply only to family and caregivers, not to patients. Please do not delay seeking medical care if needed.