I am visiting as a patient

To protect our vulnerable patients and healthcare workers, COVID-19 restrictions remain in effect.

What to expect when coming to our hospital

• Upon entrance, you will be screened for illness.
• Everyone will receive a medical grade mask to wear for the duration of the visit.
• Maintain physical distance from others, unless required for a medical procedure.
• Keeping everyone in our building safe is important to us. Anyone who willingly violates these safety requirements may be asked to leave.

Coming for a medical appointment or to our Emergency Department

• Adults seeking medical care are encouraged to attend their appointment alone, unless a support person is critical to your visit (example, cognitive or mobility issues, you are receiving a new diagnosis, or you require your support person to receive updated information regarding your health care needs).
• Adults seeking care in the Emergency Department are encouraged to have one support person who may be contacted by the healthcare team once the patient is being cared for. We ask, when able, adults remain alone in the waiting room due to space restrictions.
• Partners may attend prenatal appointments, including ultrasound appointments. Please speak with your care team when your appointment is being scheduled.
• Parents are encouraged to attend appointments and/or the Emergency Department with their children/youth.

Visitors

Loved ones are an important part of your inpatient stay at BGH.

• Upon admission, every patient is asked to identify up to two essential care partners and  two visitors for the duration of your stay.
• Please coordinate visits so there is maximum of two people with the patient at the same time. This allows for physical distancing in the patient room.
• BGH welcomes phone calls and virtual visits as a way for patients to keep in contact with people not registered as an essential care partner or visitor. Please speak with a member of your care team if you have any questions.
• Patient and substitute decision makers may request an exception for compassionate reasons, such as end of life. Please speak with a member of your care team for more information.

Important information about visiting a patient

• General visiting restrictions remain in effect.
• Only visitors who are designated by the patient and registered with your care team will be able to enter the hospital. Visitors who are not registered will be turned away.
• Visitors and essential care partners must check in at the nurses station prior to visiting the patient.
• To ensure the safety of all patients and healthcare workers, visitors are not allowed to eat or drink in the building.
• Visitors may bring food to their loved one. Please do not leave food at the main entrance.
• Patients, essential care partners, and visitors must wear a mask while together.
• Visitors must use public washrooms only.
• For your safety, visitors should sanitize/wash your hands when entering the hospital, when you leave the patient’s room and immediately before leaving the hospital.
• Visiting hours vary by unit, please speak with the healthcare team prior to your planned visit.
• Any unit that is in an outbreak situation will not allow visitors.