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Visitor Hours and Hospital Policies

Please review the latest masking requirements.

Visitor Hours

Family and caregivers are welcome to visit loved ones while in hospital. Please check with the nursing station if patients have certain visitor restrictions based on their care plan. This is common for patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, and Obstetrics. 

All admitted patients are permitted 2 visitors at the bedside at one time during a 24-hour period.

Patients in the following departments are permitted 1 visitor per patient: Emergency Department, Day Surgery, Ambulatory Care, Diagnostic Imaging, Dialysis.

Children under the age of 16 who are visiting the hospital should always be accompanied by an adult.

If you do not know the room number or location of the patient you are visiting, please inquire at the Information Desk in the main lobby.

For safety reasons, the main entrance to the hospital is locked between 11:30PM and 6:00AM. During this time, please enter through the Emergency Department.

Visitor Policy: Designated Care Partners 

We understand how important it is to have a loved one by yoru side when you are in the hospital.

If you are visiting a patient, you might be a designated care partner. A Designated Care Partner is a person who has been identified by the patient or substitute decision maker, who can provide support to a patient during their visit with us (e.g., a patient under 18 years of age). 

Exceptions to the policy include, but are not limited to, end of life; childbirth; pediatrics; mental health crises. 

While we strongly encourage vaccinations, proof will no longer be required as a condition of entry for Designated Care Partners. 

Unpaid caregivers are supported through the Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team's Caregivers in the Hills program. 

If you wish to appeal denial for visiting, please see our policy for appeals process. 

Hospital Policies 

Allergies
It is very important for your care and treatment that we know if you have any allergies/intolerances
to drugs/medications, food, the environment or latex (rubber). This information always needs to be included in your health record to ensure your safety.

Please do not bring latex (rubber) products such as balloons into the hospital as they can trigger severe allergies.

Scent-free
Our hospital is scent-free. With increased sensitivities to scents we kindly ask that you do not wear perfume and other scented personal care products. While flowers are permitted we ask that you refrain from bringing your loved ones highly fragrant flowers such as lavender or roses. They can also enjoy a view of our lovely Friendship Gardens while at the hospital. Latex (rubber) balloons are also not permitted as they can cause severe allergic reactions. Foil or Mylar balloons are welcome. 

Smoke-free
Our hospital is smoke-free. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for you and your loved one, our staff and volunteers. As part of our commitment smoking is prohibited on hospital grounds – including cannabis and vapes. Free smoking cessation programs are available at the Smokers Helpline
 
The comfort and safety of our patients is our priority and we kindly ask that you do not visit if you feel sick, unwell or have symptoms of a cough, cold, fever, stomach virus (such as diarrhea or vomiting) or any other contagious disease. 

Handwashing
Hand washing is the best way to stop the spread of germs. Please wash your hands when you: enter the hospital building, before and after every contact with a patient, before and after eating, after using the washroom and when leaving the building. Foam hand sanitizers are located throughout the hospital to help with this. 

Zero tolerance
Disruptive, noisy, inappropriate (including foul language), aggressive or violent behavior will not be tolerated, and the possession of street drugs and/or weapons is prohibited. Visitors who do not comply will be asked to leave the hospital.