For visitors that have recently been COVID positive - please refrain from visiting until a minimum of 10 days post COVID test and/or symptoms.
Normal Visiting
- Public visitors/guests are welcome from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm daily
- Anyone can visit between 11:00 – 8:30. However, at the discretion of the Charge Nurse, family members of seriously ill or palliative care patients, or whom have been identified by the patient or Substitute Decision Maker can come outside of these hours.
- Visitors are restricted to two (2) per patient at a time
- Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult (over age 18).
VISITOR POLICY
- All visitors must check in at the Nursing Station on the inpatient unit they are visiting.
- Masks covering the nose and mouth are to be worn for the full duration of your visit.
- Masks are available at each hospital entrance if you do not have a mask. Cloth masks will be replaced with a hospital-provided surgical mask at the nursing station on the unit.
- Visitors may not consume food or beverages while visiting in the hospital.
- All visitors must complete passive Covid screening before entering the hospital. Signs are posted at each entrance with the screening questions. If you are unsure if you have passed screening, please go to Switchboard.
- Family and guests who are feeling unwell; have an infection; or have any of the following symptoms should not come to the hospital: fever, cough, sore throat, headache, shortness of breath.
- Proof of vaccination is not required however vaccination is encouraged.
- Visitors must perform hand hygiene (handwashing and/or use of hand sanitizer) when entering and leaving the facility and the patient’s room.
- In situations where there are shared rooms, or in some areas in the hospital where patients have special needs, consideration will be given to the other patients and their families.
- To ensure safety, consideration will also be given to the physical limitations of the space.
- Visits may be interrupted to protect the privacy rights of other patients or to maintain safety and security.
- Between 9:30 pm and 6:30 am, family members are asked to enter through the Emergency Department entrance. If family is visiting during these hours, please report to ED staff or Registration to sign in with the so they can alert the inpatient unit there are visitors.
VISITATION FOR COVID POSITIVE PATIENTS:
- All patients are tested for Covid upon admission and must have a negative Covid PCR test result before visitation is approved.
- Patients who are Covid positive cannot have visitors at this time.
- Visitation can resume 10-20 days after the patient’s asymptomatic positive test or symptom onset with positive test. The duration of the patient’s isolation is based upon the patient’s condition and any risk factors the patient may have. No visitation shall be permitted while the patient is on isolation.
- Palliative visitation will be considered for patients at end of life who are Covid positive. This must be coordinated with the unit to where the patient resides. Regular mask and visor, gloves and gown are required.
- Please call the unit if you require an update on the status of the patient or for any questions about visitation.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS:
To support a safe patient care and work environment, essential personal belongings for patients (for activities of daily living) will be permitted into the hospital. However, we ask that you follow the directions below:
- Items should be clearly marked with the patient’s name.
- Please remember the hospital is not responsible for lost or damaged items. Valuables should always be left at home.
Before you visit
- If you have a cough, fever, runny nose, diarrhea or another contagious disease – please do not visit.
- Wash your hands regularly – it is the best way to prevent the spread of germs and diseases.
- Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Requests to visit outside of the normal visiting hours may be granted, on an individual basis, for compassionate reasons. Please check with the nurse.
- Emergency Departments - Only one family member or personal caregiver may accompany a patient in the treatment area. Other visitors are not permitted in the treatment areas.
Balloons (Mylar only)
A latex allergy is an adverse reaction to products made from latex or natural rubber. We make every effort to provide a latex safe environment for patients, visitors, employees and volunteers. Only mylar balloons are allowed within the hospital.
Scent-free
Wherever possible, we have eliminated the use of products with scents or other properties that are known to cause health problems for patients, visitors, employees and volunteers. Please do not wear/use perfume, after-shave or other scented personal products in the hospital or when visiting a patient.
