Families in Antigua and Barbuda are calling on the administration of Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre to remove the new visiting hour restrictions in the Emergency Room.

Under the current policy, family members are only allowed to visit ER patients between 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 5 p.m.–8 p.m. This means that when someone is rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night or early morning, their loved ones are not allowed to accompany them.

This rule makes it harder for families to support their loved ones during the most critical and frightening moments of care.

Emergencies do not follow a schedule, and patients deserve to have their advocate or next of kin by their side when they are being assessed, diagnosed, and treated.

While we understand the importance of maintaining order and safety in the hospital, compassion and communication are equally essential to quality healthcare. We believe the hospital can find a balanced policy that allows at least one family member or caregiver to remain with a patient throughout their ER visit, especially during initial assessment and treatment.

We are asking the administration of Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre to reconsider and revise this policy in the best interest of patients, families, and healthcare staff alike.