Visiting

Please note: There are two units currently in COVID outbreaks – 4 East and 5 West. As a result, visiting is not permitted in those units at this time except for compassionate reasons.

While in the building, hospital-provided masks must be worn at all times.

In response to the easing amount of COVID in the community, the hospital is allowing patients to have an unlimited number of visitors but only two at a time at the bedside. There are additional exceptions and restrictions depending on a patient’s status. For example, COVID positive patients are not allowed visitors.

If planning to visit and not sure if it is allowed, please call the hospital and ask to speak with the patient’s unit.

Please note, our Family Birthing Unit/Paediatrics has its own set of visitor rules (below). Also, our Emergency Department has specific rules for its visitors.

Family Birthing/Special Care Nursery/Paediatrics visiting rules:

FBU Triage	One designated support person
FBU Labour and Delivery	Two designated support persons permitted at the bedside
FBU Post Partum	Two visitors per day The visitors may change out daily (the same two for the day), no children.
Special Care Nursery	Two support persons per hospitalization
Paediatrics	Two visitors per day, The visitors may change out daily (the same two for the day), no children.

Emergency Department visiting rules:

Our Emergency Department is a crowded place where there are many sick, ill and injured patients. We are trying and ensure the safety of all of our patients as well as staff by having the following restrictions during this COVID-19 pandemic.

While visiting in the Emergency Department:

• Please clean your hands when entering and leaving the department
• Wear a provided surgical mask at all times
• Remain inside your treatment area and not wander throughout the department.
• You may be asked by the care team to leave the bedside for a brief period of time for the purpose of clinical assessment, procedures, or treatments. During that time, please wait in the waiting room.
• Visiting may be restricted by the healthcare team during very busy times when overcrowding or safety becomes are an issue.
• Patient information will only be shared with the person identified by the patient as the family spokesperson. Please ensure we have an up-to-date phone number.

Anyone who fails to follow these guidelines will be removed by security.

Important Information

• Guelph General Hospital will continue to assess and make changes to its visitor guidelines based on the status of the pandemic and with consideration to the safety of patients, staff and our community.
• If a visitor explicitly ignores or defies the public health requirements during their time at the hospital, he or she will be asked to leave. This will be at the discretion of the healthcare provider and/or healthcare leader.

Visitor Policy Dispute Resolution Process

The healthcare team will inform that patient and/or family of the current hospital visiting policy.

If a patient or family member/friend wishes to challenge the visitor policy, the patient and/or family member/friend can discuss their request for exception with the Resource Nurse of the unit. The Resource Nurse will discuss the request with the Director/Manager of the unit on the next business day. The decision will be conveyed to the family member/friend directly.

Virtual Visiting available

At Guelph General Hospital we know how important it is for our patients to be able to connect with their families and friends. Thanks to a generous donation of 20 tablets from Fusion Homes, virtual visits are possible. Staff can assist to conduct audio or video calls with applications such as Zoom. If you would like to request a virtual visit, please contact staff for assistance.