Who can visit the hospital?
At this time, there will be no inpatient visitors permitted at our hospitals with a few exceptions. Please note that the length of the visit will be dependent on the type of visit. No overnight visits are allowed at this time, with the exception of end-of-life visits as well as care partners for paediatric and labouring and post partum women that extend into nighttime hours.
- One care partner for all paediatric patients (under age of 18).
- One care partner and alternate for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patients 30 days old and younger.
- One care partner and alternate who will support care at the bedside to their loved one during visiting hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Patient must meet specific high-need criteria determined and communicated to care partner and alternate by the Clinical Services Manager.
- One care partner for all Labour & Delivery and Post-Partum patients.
- One visitor for Emergency Department and outpatients with cognitive/developmental, physical disabilities or life-altering circumstances.
- One visitor two times a week for one hour in length for critical care patients on a Critical Care Unit.
- One visitor for patients who are at the end-of-life for two one hour visits a week (including stillbirth and miscarriage). Two visitors can stay through active dying until death. Osler staff will do our best to ensure that no patient dies alone with primary presence being a family member, friend or spiritual care provider. If that is not possible a staff member may be able to arrange virtual visitation or will be intentionally present for those deaths which are anticipated.
- Visitation at end-of-life for COVID-19+ patients and Patient Under Investigation (PUI)s are considered on a case-by-case basis by the clinical team.
Any other requests will be considered outside of policy and are to be discussed between the clinical team and the Chief Patient Experience Officer as part of an escalation process.
Why are visitor restrictions in place?
Osler implemented visitor restrictions as part of our ongoing efforts to protect the public, patients, visitors, staff, physicians and volunteers from the potential transmission of COVID-19. We understand these restrictions are very difficult for everyone. We strive to create a safe environment for everyone while being empathetic to our patients and their loved ones. Your patience and understanding is valued as we work together during this time.
Why is Osler implementing an online self-screening tool for visitors?
As Osler continues to gradually welcome more visitors into the hospital, this new tool will enhance the screening process by improving our ability to ensure the health and safety of all those who enter the hospital and will allow faster access for scheduled visits.
This online tool will ask a series of COVID-19 symptom questions. Once you have responded to each question, the tool will indicate whether you are able to safely enter the hospital or not. You will be required to show this confirmation to the screeners at the hospital entrance.
What if I do not have a mobile device or do not want to use the online self-screening tool?
Visitors who do not wish to use the tool or do not have a mobile device can continue to be screened in-person at the entrance.
If you’re having technical difficulties with the online self-screening tool, please come to the hospital and you will be screened in-person at the hospital entrance.
Is it safe to visit the hospital?
Yes – please rest assured that at Osler everyone’s health and safety is our top priority. We are committed to providing safe, compassionate and high-quality health care at our hospitals, and we are taking every precaution to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who comes into our hospitals.
Among our many safety measures, are:
- implementing enhanced cleaning practices and safety measures
- actively screening all outpatients, visitors, staff, physicians, volunteers and contractors
- providing masks to everyone who comes to our hospitals
- enforcing visitor restrictions
- restricting the items that can be brought to our sites
We continue to follow Ontario Health guidelines and will update our policy on a regular basis, to ensure the continued safety of everyone who comes through our doors.
How to make arrangements for an in-person visit?
To arrange an in-person visit to an inpatient or accompany an outpatient during a visit, please contact the clinical team directly. They will be able to determine if you meet the criteria and can schedule your visit. Visitors for patients in the Emergency Department are restricted to paediatric patients, patients with cognitive and physical disability and for those patients at end-of-life.
What guidelines need to be followed when visiting?
Visitors who feel unwell are asked not to visit.
All visitors will be:
- screened for COVID-19 prior to entering.
- asked to wear a mask, clean your hands frequently and maintain physical distance of two metres from others when possible.
- asked to go to the unit or clinic directly and not visit other areas of the building.
- asked to bring only approved belongings for the patient (see approved list below)
Can children visit a patient?
This decision can vary by unit and the patient or family must discuss this matter with the unit’s clinical team.
Which entrance should visitors use?
Please use the Main Lobby entrance when visiting either Brampton Civic, Etobicoke General or Peel Memorial Centre. Outpatients and visitors can also enter at Entrance B at Brampton Civic.
When will other visitor restrictions be lifted?
Osler has adopted a phased approach to lifting visitor restrictions. We will continue to evaluate the visitor restrictions that are in place, weighing both the safety of our patients, family members and staff, while also promoting a compassionate and healing environment.
Why is Osler taking a phased approach lifting visitor restrictions?
A gradual and phased approach to lifting visitor restrictions will ensure Osler is able to plan and manage the safety of our patients, visitors, staff, physicians and volunteers.