Verna Mumby hugs her mother Patricia Mumby briefly outside Medicine Hat Regional Hospital last Friday. Verna was denied entry to the hospital after travelling here from B.C. and wanting to be with her for her birthday.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
A loving daughter who travelled from B.C. to see her mother in hospital and celebrate her 95th birthday was turned away by Alberta Health Services.
Verna Mumby made the journey from Penticton last weekend but was turned away by hospital staff because she was not on the list of two designated visitors.
Her mother, Patricia Mumby, has been in ward 2North at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital since July after a fall and surgery. She was also about to celebrate a remarkable birthday today, Oct.1.
AHS policy regarding visitation can be viewed online. The rules differ depending on the category of care. (See link below)
None of Patricia’s four adult children live in Medicine Hat. In general the one with power of attorney and a specific local caregiver are the designated visitors.
Verna says in the past when she or any of her siblings were in town to visit, AHS temporarily changed the designated visitors.
This time they refused.
“Since when is not allowing family to visit someone who is lonely in the hospital in the best interest of the COVID pandemic?” said Verna.
The AHS online information says temporary changes to designated visitors is allowed but that this should not be done on multiple occasions
In the end last Friday, a recreation therapist wheeled Patricia outside the hospital to see Verna but the weather was not good and after a brief visit she had to be taken back inside.
“Mom was cold and uncomfortable so it was a short visit.”
Early Saturday morning Verna called the hospital and explained that she had travelled specifically to see her mother.
“I told the nurse twice and she would only say, ‘I’m sorry you are not allowed in.'”
She asked for Patricia to be brought outside again but was told there was not enough staff to do that.
“Personally I am heart broken and mad about the expense and time,” said Verna, who reluctantly changed her flight and returned home.
A spokesperson for AHS says the restrictions are due to COVID-19 and that it was a difficult decision to limit interactions with families.
“These decisions have not been taken lightly, and we understand it has been difficult for all involved. Visits from family and friends is an integral part of health care, and we acknowledge the importance of regular contact between our patients and residents, and their loved ones,” an emailed statement reads.
“We apologize that we were unable to facilitate a longer visit, but will work with the family to see if there is another opportunity for another visit.”
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/healthinfo/ipc/hi-ipc-covid19-infosht-visiting-pts-pandemic.pdf
