The Alberta Health Services (AHS) announced Thursday it has reduced access to one designated support person on-site with a patient in the maternity unit.
“To manage the escalating impact of COVID-19 at our hospitals, we’ve made the difficult decision to reduce access to one designated support person on-site with a patient in the maternity unit. This change is being implemented over the next four days throughout the province,” the Alberta Health Services said in a statement.
The statement further added that these adjustments are necessary to protect the health and safety of AHS patients/staff and to support patient care as AHS manages capacity challenges.
COVID-19, particularly the Delta variant, is highly infectious and pregnant individuals are at a higher risk of severe outcomes, AHS said.
Meanwhile, AHS said requests by a patient for two designated support persons will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your healthcare team to discuss further.
AHS also added that sites with outbreaks or on-watch situations may have additional restrictions, urging the visitors to contact the site before coming.
