ALL VISITORS SHOULD BE VACCINATED

Visitor Guidance

Since COVID-19, the way family and friends support patients in hospitals has changed. We know these changes haven’t been easy for patients or providers. Knowing what to expect when you visit will help us protect our hospital community.

We’ve put together the following Visitor Guidance to help you understand when you can visit SAH, your responsibilities as a visitor, and important safety tips to follow while in the hospital.

  • THERE WILL BE NO VISITORS ALLOWED ON OUTBREAK UNITS
  • VISITING HOURS WILL BE BETWEEN 12-8 pm DAILY
  • ALL VISITORS MUST ADHERE TO THE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES DIRECTED BY STAFF

NO VISITORS

Exceptions may be made if the person provides support for:

  • a vulnerable patient (under the age of 18, cognitive impairment, significant developmental and/or intellectual disability, unable to effectively communicate)
  • a patient at the end of life
  • One (1) Essential Caregiver or visitor only
  • Two (2) visitors at a time – the family will need to coordinate visits to ensure only two visitors are present at a time.

Essential Caregiver ONLY

Labour & Delivery:

All support persons for outpatients and patients in labour must be fully vaccinated.

  • Two (2) support person during labour and delivery
  • Post-partum: one (1) person

No other visitors allowed in the program.

Labour and Delivery: For patients with unvaccinated partners, all attempts should be made for an alternative support person who is vaccinated. If there is an extenuating circumstance and there is no alternative fully vaccinated support person available, an exception may be made at the time of admission.

All support people must adhere to the personal protective equipment guidelines directed by staff.

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Pediatrics and NICU:

  • One (1) parent at a time (Only one parent to stay overnight)
  • No other visitors are allowed in the program

All support people must adhere to the personal protective equipment guidelines directed by staff.

  • Essential Caregiver and one (1) visitor 
  • Essential Caregiver and one (1) visitor 
  • Two (2) visitors at a time – the family will need to coordinate visits to ensure only two (2) visitors are present at a time
  • May visit at any time and stay overnight
  • Each outpatient may bring one (1) support person either an Essential Caregiver or a visitor.

Essential Caregivers and Visitors

Should be fully vaccinated (14-days post-second dose)

  • Follow all travel restrictions and public health measures when coming to Ontario. Canadian COVID-19 Travel Guidance
  • Be without illness; individuals with symptoms will not be permitted to visit
  • Be screened upon entry by the Door Screeners
  • Sign in at the Nursing Station on the unit to support contact tracing
  • Follow instructions given by staff; failure to follow instructions may result in a visitor being asked to leave the hospital
  • Maintain 2 meters or 6 feet of physical distance with other patients and visitors at all times (patient and caregiver/visitor can sit together)
  • Not wander on the unit or leave the unit, including accessing common areas of the hospital
  • Wear masks at all times while in hospital and must wash their hands when entering and leaving a patient’s room
    • Please note, visitors who are exempt from wearing a mask will not be permitted for in-person visits. SAH will accommodate virtual visits in these circumstances.  These visitors are asked to contact the appropriate department/area to arrange these virtual visits.

NOTE: The list of reasons for support for a vulnerable patient (e.g. cognitive impairment, significant developmental and/or intellectual disability, unable to effectively communicate, mobility issues) is not an exhaustive list; considerations beyond this list should be discussed with the Care Team.