The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has clarified that its new Emergency Room (ER) visiting hours will not prevent support persons from accompanying patients, following public concern over recent policy changes.
Hospital officials said the revised schedule applies only to patients who have already received emergency treatment and are waiting to be transferred to an inpatient ward. They added that the change is intended to improve safety, privacy, and efficiency in the ER.
Emergency Department Chair Dr. Olsheath Bowen said the move has been misunderstood by some members of the public. “It’s important to note that this visitor policy does not affect our usual practice of ensuring that patients who need support are accompanied by an adult when accessing care,” he said.
The medical centre reaffirmed that minors, the elderly, people with developmental or intellectual disabilities, and those in mental health crises will continue to be allowed a support person at all times.
Hospital administrators said they value the feedback received and remain committed to engaging the public as they work to improve patient care.
