Visitor Information
Best Wishes Program - E-Greetings for Patients
Essential Caregivers and Visitor Guidance
Our Compassionate Person-Centered Care philosophy differentiates between Visitors and Essential Caregivers. We recognize that Visitors, Essential Caregivers, and Support Person(s) are great resources and comfort to our patients, improving their quality of life and their experience in care.
We have put together the following Essential Caregiver-Visitor Guidance to help you understand when you can visit SAH, your responsibilities as an essential caregiver, visitor, support person and important safety tips to follow while in the hospital.
Note: Visitor is used throughout this policy and refers to the larger group of Visitors, Essential Caregiver(s), and Support Person(s).
- Visiting hours will be between 8:30 am – 8:30 pm daily (Exceptions may be made in consultation with the care team).
- SAH permits two (2) visitors per patient at one time (other than at the patient’s end-of-life).
- Additionally, an Essential Caregiver or Support Person may be present. One (1) child (under the age of 16 years) will be permitted when accompanied by an adult.
- Families will coordinate visits to ensure that only the allowed number of Visitors, Essential Caregivers, and Support Person(s) are present at any time. Exceptions may be made if the visitor provides support for a vulnerable patient (under the age of 18, cognitive impairment, significant developmental and/or intellectual disability, unable to effectively communicate).
- From time to time, further visiting restrictions may be required with little notice (such as in the case of a patient’s change in condition or unit outbreak). We will endeavour to meet visitor needs during these times.
- Visitors (including children) who demonstrate disruptive behaviour will be limited in their ability to visit.
- Visitors eating and drinking in the patient rooms is not allowed.
- All visitors must consider the risk to themselves and others if visiting an outbreak unit and adhere to the personal protective equipment guidelines directed by staff.
COVID-19 Suspect or COVID-19 Confirmed Patients [No Visitors]
NO VISITORS
Exceptions may be made if the person provides support for the following:
- 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
- An Essential Caregiver or Support Person may attend as they are not casual visitors but rather someone chosen by the patient or their Substitute Decision Maker to assist with the daily care of the patient.
Emergency Department
- Patients attending the Emergency Department may require a support person to attend at all times. The support person is encouraged to discuss their attendance with the care team and to ensure patient safety, privacy and care are maintained.
ICU or Palliative - End of Life
- Two (2) Essential Caregivers, Support Persons or Visitors at the bedside at any given time
- There is no limit to the total number of Essential Caregivers, Support Persons or Visitors a patient may have, but only two (2) can visit at a time during visiting hours
The maximum number of persons (Essential Caregivers, Support Persons or Visitors) per individual at one time is based on room space; exceptions can be made; please contact your loved one’s care team to discuss your family’s needs.
Women & Children's Health Program - UPDATED
Updated: April 25, 2025
Important Visitor Update – Precautions Due to Confirmed Measles Case in Algoma
Effective immediately, Visitor Guidelines for the Women and Children’s Health Department have been updated as a precaution following a confirmed case of measles in the Algoma District.
To help protect vulnerable patients and reduce the risk of spreading illness, we are temporarily adjusting our visiting guidelines. These changes may be updated as the situation evolves.
Masking Requirements
Masks are required in the following areas:
- Pediatrics
- Post-partum
- Outpatient Clinics
- Prenatal Clinic
Visiting Guidelines
Please note: Designated Support Person is an individual designated by a patient to provide essential support and be involved in their care and decision-making.
No visitors under the age of 18 are permitted at this time.
Labour & Delivery:
- Triage: One (1) person until admitted to labour
- Labour: Two (2) designated support persons during labour and delivery
- Post-partum: Two (2) designated support persons, no children (including siblings)
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NICU: Two (2) parents
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Paediatrics: Two (2) parents plus one (1) designated support person; only two (2) individuals at a time. Only one parent is permitted to stay overnight.
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Outpatient Clinics and Prenatal Clinic: One (1) designated support person
We understand these changes may be difficult, and we appreciate your understanding as we prioritize the safety of patients, staff, and our community.
For more information about the measles case and how to protect yourself: Algoma Public Health Measles Information
General Medicine, Surgical Departments, Post Acute, Mental Health
- Two (2) Visitor at the bedside at any given time. Additionally, an Essential Caregiver may be present.
- There is no limit to the total number of Essential Caregivers/Visitors a patient may have.
Outpatient Clinics
- Each outpatient may bring one (1) support person (Essential Caregiver or Support Person).
SAH Masking Policy for Members of the Public
End of Respiratory Season: Updated Masking Guidelines for Patients, Visitors, and Caregivers
Effective May 5, 2025, With the conclusion of the respiratory season, mandatory masking at Sault Area Hospital (SAH) will end for members of the public. This change aligns with SAH’s Masking Policy and current public health guidance.
What You Need to Know:
- Masks will continue to be available at all hospital entrances for those who choose to wear one.
- Masking remains required for patients, visitors, and caregivers in the following situations:
- Outbreak Units: If a unit is on outbreak, enhanced infection prevention and control measures will be in place. This may include mandatory masking for visitors and care partners, or limits on visitation to essential care partners only. Please check with your or your loved one’s care team to confirm the current status of the unit.
- Patients Under Precautions: If a patient is under precaution masking may be required, signage will be posted at entrance to the patient’s room.
- Posted Signage: Look for signs at clinic, unit or patient room entrances indicating when masking is required.
SAH supports and encourages individuals who choose to continue masking, even in areas where it is not required. Your decision to wear a mask helps protect vulnerable individuals and contributes to the overall safety of our hospital community.
General Essential Caregivers and Visitor Information
Essential Caregivers (Support Person) at SAH
An Essential Caregiver (Support Person) is an essential individual chosen by the patient or their Substitute Decision Maker to support them during the hospital stay. The Essential Caregiver (Support Person) comes to the hospital to assist with daily care of the patient providing comfort, social and cultural interaction, emotional and physical support, as well as speaking on behalf of the patient when they cannot speak.
The Essential Caregiver (Support Person) may be allowed access to the hospital in periods of heightened restriction, when casual visitors may be prohibited.
All Essential Caregiver must be on-boarded through the SAH Essential Caregiver program before they are considered an Essential Caregiver at SAH. Please, speak with the Leadership Team on your loved one’s unit to discuss if identifying an individual as an Essential Caregiver would be appropriate as part of the patient’s care plan.
Visitors at SAH
A Visitor is a guest or family of the patient who have not been identified by the patient as the Essential Caregiver and may or may not be the Substitute Decision Maker (SDM).
Essential Caregiver (Support Person) and Visitors Expectations
- Be without illness symptoms; individuals with symptoms will not be permitted to visit
- Follow instructions given by staff; failure to follow instructions may result in a visitor being asked to leave the hospital
- Families will need to coordinate visits to ensure only the allowed number of visitors are present at the patient’s bedside
- Must wash their hands when entering and leaving a patient’s room
Wear a mask when additional occupational health or infection prevention and control measures are in place
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.
Self-Screening
Please do not visit the hospital if you or your children have any of the following: new or worsening cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, severe headaches, unexplained muscle aches, unexplained extreme fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes.