SLMHC introducing vaccination policy for visitors and change in mask policy

Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) is requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all visitors, escorts and essential care partners starting January 5, 2022.

SLMHC has made this decision due to the rapidly changing environment, in which the highly transmissible Omicron variant is spreading in our region and there is a growing need to take further actions to protect our patients and staff.  This decision comes after the Ontario government mandated vaccination for visitors at all long-term care homes, which included SLMHC’s William A. George Extended Care Unit effective December 15, 2021.

Visitors, escorts, and essential care partners will not be permitted to enter the hospital if they are unable to show proof of vaccine. Additionally, patients are limited to 2 (two) visitors at one time. There will be limited exemptions, including families of a patient at end-of-life.

This new policy affects visitors, escorts, and essential care partners ONLY. 

Patients coming for outpatient appointments, emergency or acute care services are not required to show proof of vaccination.

Also at this time, fabric masks will no longer be permitted in the hospital and anyone entering the facility will be asked to wear hospital-issued medical masks (available at our screening stations at the Main entrance and Emergency entrance).

The current visitor restrictions and information are available to view on SLMHC’s COVID-19 page.

For those in Sioux Lookout looking for COVID-19 testing, please contact our Assessment Centre at 737-5880 to book an appointment. The Assessment Centre is receiving a high volume of calls so we remind the public to leave your name and phone number so we can call you back to book your appointment. For those looking get their vaccination or boosters, please contact the Northwestern Health Unit or your local pharmacy.

For all information about how COVID-19 is impacting our services and policies at SLMHC, please visit www.slmhc.on.ca/covid19.  For general information about COVID-19, including directions on self-isolation, self-monitoring, testing results, the rollout of the vaccine and public health best practices, visit www.nwhu.on.ca/covid19.