Visiting a Patient at Erie Shores HealthCare
At Erie Shores HealthCare, we know how important family and loved ones are to a patient's recovery and well-being. We welcome and encourage family involvement in patient care and are committed to providing a safe, comfortable and supportive environment for everyone.
Our visitation policy is designed to give patients flexibility in deciding who visits them, while respecting their care needs and the privacy and comfort of others.
Visiting Hours
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There is no set limit on the number of visitors at a patient's bedside. The number of visitors will be determined in consultation with the patient, their family and the care team.
8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
One family member is welcome at the patient's bedside at a time. Additional family members may wait in the Family Lounge.
Family members visiting overnight are asked to let staff know when they are leaving the unit to help ensure patient safety. Visiting arrangements will be determined in collaboration with the patient, family and care team.
End-of-Life Care
For patients receiving end-of-life care, there is no limit on the number of family members who may be at the bedside, regardless of the time of day.
Who Can Visit?
We recognize that family means different things to different people. At Erie Shores HealthCare, patients determine who they consider family. This may include relatives, partners, friends and others who provide important emotional support.
Patients, or their substitute decision-makers when appropriate, have the right to decide who may visit and when. Patients may also choose to limit or decline visitors.
Visiting With Children
Children aged 16 and under are welcome to visit when accompanied by a supervising adult. Children must remain with their supervising adult throughout their visit. We ask families to ensure children are supervised and respectful of patients who may need a quiet environment to rest and recover.
Keeping Patients and Visitors Safe
The health and safety of our patients, staff and visitors are a priority.
Please postpone your visit if you are feeling unwell, particularly if you have:
- Fever or cough
- Runny nose
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Rash
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Known exposure to a communicable disease, such as measles or chickenpox
All visitors must follow the hospital's infection prevention and control requirements, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
Respecting Patient Care and Privacy
We ask all visitors to help maintain a respectful, safe and comfortable environment.
If you are visiting someone in a shared room, please be mindful of the needs and privacy of other patients.
There may be times when visitors are asked to step out temporarily so our care team can provide treatment, complete procedures or protect patient privacy.
Visiting may also be restricted when there are safety concerns or legal requirements.
Questions About Visiting?
If you have questions about visiting a patient or need to discuss special circumstances, please speak with a member of the patient's care team. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact our Patient Experience Team at PatientExperience@eshc.org or call 519-326-2373 extension. 4118
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us provide compassionate, patient- and family-centred care.