Visits and leave of absence now permitted at Witrand

Having reviewed its Covid-19 risk-adjusted strategy, Witrand Psychiatric Hospital has decided to gradually open movement across the hospital. With effect from Monday, 12 October, it now allows visits to patients and leave of absence for them.

The Covid-19 protocol will be observed, including institutional standard operating procedures for visiting hours. In a statement, Dr Isaac Wana, the senior clinical manager, advised patients’ parents, relatives and next-of-kin that they can arrange for leave of absence.

Before a patient leaves, internal Covid-19 processes and an extensive screening process will be carried out. “If new or suspected cases of Covid-19 arise within the hospital or there are major unforeseen circumstances in the wards at any given time, it could, unfortunately, affect visitation and leave of absence. “However, all stakeholders would be informed accordingly,” he said.

The acting CEO of the hospital, Moipone Mpolokeng, emphasised that the well-being of patients and staff members is a top priority. That is why they continue to monitor the circumstances and adjust their safety measures and operating procedures. The public is encouraged to observe precautionary measures to flatten the curve.

The visiting hours to different service areas or wards apply daily and over the weekend as follows:

• Intellectually-disabled wards 10:00–16:30
• Psychiatric wards 15:30–16:30 18:15–18–45
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation services 16:00–17:00 19:00–19:30

Measures to be followed during visiting hours:

•Two (maximum) visitors per patient are allowed.

•Masks must be worn when entering the hospital and should never be taken off while on the premises.

•Screening processes must be followed when entering the hospital.

•Social distancing must always be observed.