Visiting Hours

Visiting hours are 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every day.
Please help us keep patients safe by following the visiting rules:

• Two visitors are allowed per two hour visitation block;
• Do not visit if you are sick; 
• Children under 12 must be closely supervised by an adult;
• When asked to do so, wear a gown and mask while visiting with the patient;
• Clean your hands frequently while you are at the hospital. Hand washing is the single most effective way to stop the spread of infections;
• Visit only one patient per trip to the hospital (do not move between patient rooms);
• Do not use the patient washrooms or kitchen on the unit

Please note that we may have to shut down visiting to various floors in order to contain the spread of an infectious disease during an outbreak. In these times, we only allow visitors for compassionate reasons or under extenuating circumstances.

Exceptions

It is understood that exceptions to this policy may be granted under special circumstances. The nurse in charge of the patient care unit and, where necessary, the patient's attending physician will make that determination. Should conflicts arise surrounding exceptional circumstances, the nurse manager of the unit or the administrative coordinator will be contacted for assistance.

There are times when families can visit outside of normal visiting hours. If your family member or loved one is very ill, arrangements can be made at the Nurses' Station so that you can visit at other times.

Also, if a friend or family member is visiting the area on a very short timeframe and cannot be here for the normal visiting hours, it may be possible to visit with a patient outside of these hours, on a special basis. Again, please check with the Nurses' Station.

For patients who are deaf, an interpreter will be permitted to stay as required for the purposes of providing necessary support.

There are three special rules in our visitors' policy for the Maternal/Child Department:

• For Maternity patients, the husband or significant other is permitted to visit at any time.
• For Labouring Mothers, two individuals may accompany the patient. For delivery by Caesarian section, two individuals are permitted on the Unit as support, with one attending the delivery at the discretion of the attending physician(s).
• For Paediatrics patients, the parent(s) or guardian(s) may visit at any time.

Emergency Department Visiting Policy

The Emergency Department is a restricted area. Our visiting policy is designed to provide a high level of patient care in an area that is safe, confidential and respectful. The policy also helps to reduce the spread of infectious disease and reduce wait times for all patients.

Only the patient will be allowed in the Emergency Department for the initial assessment by the physician.  Other visitors will be admitted only under special circumstances, specifically when the patient is critically ill, under 16; unable to communicate or is an obstetrics patient.

The patient will be asked to designate one person for Emergency Department staff to communicate with. This person will receive an update from a member of the health care team as soon as possible after the patient is assessed.