There is no more visiting at Groote Schuur unless a patient is terminally ill, due to the hospital’s new safety measures for the Covid-19 third wave.
Hospital spokesman Alaric Jacobs says the restrictions on visitors and escorts are meant to curb the spread of Covid-19 as cases continue to rise.
“When bringing a person to the emergency unit no escorts are allowed unless the patient is disabled whether physically or intellectually,” he said.
In special circumstances, one escort will be allowed at the discretion of a manager. The hospital will also allow parcels to be dropped for patients in the hospital from Monday to Friday between 11am and 1pm.
“It will be dropped at reception, and we will make sure the patients get the parcel,” said Mr Jacobs.
There would also be a de-escalation in the outpatients department, he said. “Some patients’ appointments will be cancelled, but we will make contact with you for new appointments.”
He added: “Although we know it is challenging for many visitors and patients, we must be responsible and protect one another.”
