Measles Updates

Published On: March 14, 2025

Women & Children’s Unit (3rd Floor) AND Chemotherapy/Systemic Therapy
Visitor Policy Update

With ongoing reports of heightened measles activity across southern Ontario, we are prioritizing the safety of our vulnerable patients.

Effective March 17, adjustments have been made to our Family Presence and Visiting Guidelines Policy in our Women & Children’s Unit and Chemotherapy/Systemic Therapy Unit to reflect these concerns. All visitors/parents/caregivers on the Women & Children’s Unit and Chemotherapy/Systemic Therapy Unit are required to mask during their visit (regardless of vaccination status). Other updates include:

Pediatric Unit

  • One (1) parent/caregiver at a time will be permitted to stay with a child while they are admitted at STEGH.
  • All parents/caregivers will sign in at the nurse’s station and don a surgical mask which will be provided.
  • The parent/caregiver must wear a surgical mask whenever they are outside of the patient’s room and only leave the room when necessary.
  • No siblings, other family members or friends will be allowed to enter at this time.
  • Exceptions can be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Director of the program.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU):

  • One (1) parent/caregiver at a time will be able to visit with a baby while they are receiving care in the NICU.
  • All parents/caregivers will sign in at the nurse’s station and don a surgical mask which will be provided.
  • No siblings, other family members or friends will be allowed to enter at this time.
  • Exceptions can be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Director of the program.

Obstetrical Care Unit and Postpartum:

  • Two adult support persons may be with you during your hospital stay – the support persons must remain the same during your entire stay.
  • Obstetric Triage: One (1) adult visitor at a time – the visitor must be the same person during the entire triage visit. This visitor must wear a surgical mask at all times.
  • The adult support person must wear a surgical mask whenever they are outside of the patient’s room and only leave the room when necessary.
  • Exceptions can be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Director of the program.

Chemotherapy/Systemic Therapy

  • All patients are asked to don a surgical mask on entry to the unit.
  • One adult support person may be with you during your hospital stay.  That support person has to be the same person during your entire stay.
  • The adult support person will sign in at the registration desk and don a surgical mask which will be provided.
  • The adult support person must wear a surgical mask during their entire visit and stay only with the patient they are here to support.
  • Exceptions can be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Director of the program.

We continue to work closely with Southwestern Public Health to evaluate the measles situation in our community. Click here to learn more about measles, symptoms, and how to protect yourself. Always call ahead before seeking a medical assessment by a healthcare provider if your measles symptoms cannot be managed at home. DO NOT visit the Emergency Department or enter the hospital without providing advanced notice!