Recognizing that family members are respected as essential members of the health care team, we have worked to replace our "visiting policy" with a Family Presence policy that welcomes family members at any time of the day. Through our Family Presence Policy, MAHC welcomes visits from family members at the bedside as per the patient's wishes and in collaboration with the inter-professional team. All visitors are asked to report to the patient care unit desk prior to entering the patient's room.
Please follow these guidelines to ensure that visiting is safe and respectful for everyone:
- Respect others. Think about the needs of other patients and families during your visit.
- Please be sure to check-in at the patient care unit desk.
- Quiet time for rest and healing is from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day. Family members can visit during these hours if supported by the patient(s).
- The number of visitors will be determined by:
- A conversation with the patient, their family and the care team;
- Consideration of the size of the room where visiting will occur;
- Consultation with other patients in a shared room. The number of visitors may be restricted out of respect for other patients. - Visiting may be interrupted for patient care.
- In the event of an outbreak or other unexpected situation, visiting may be restricted. We will work with patients and families to support visiting where possible.
- Do not visit if you feel unwell, especially if you have a cough, sore throat, fever, nausea or vomiting or diarrhea, or have been in contact with anyone who has an infectious disease.
- Children under 14 years must be supervised at all times by an adult who is not the patient.
- Swearing or yelling is not permitted.
- Family members are not permitted to sleep in an empty patient bed. Please do not use the patient's washroom. Public washrooms are available.
- If there is anything you need, please ask a member of the care team.
Visiting Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. family members are required to sign in and sign out of a logbook at Patient Registration. If you plan to visit during these hours, we would appreciate advanced notice of your estimated time of arrival by calling the hospital switchboard.
Scent- and Fragrance-Free
MAHC is a scent-free environment. Please be kind to all of our patients by not wearing scented personal products (perfume, cologne, lotion, hairspray, etc.) and avoiding heavily-scented flowers. Please use personal products that are scent-free and fragrance-free on the day of your visit.
Latex Balloons, Poinsettias and Lilies Prohibited
- MAHC is also latex free because of allergies. If you bring balloons, please make sure they are made of Mylar.
- The Poinsettia plant (Euphorbia Pulcherrima) belongs to the same plant family as the Brazilian rubber tree, from which latex is obtained. Although they are beautiful to look at, Poinsettias are prohibited as they may cause severe reactions among people who have latex allergies. If you are in hospital and have a latex allergy, please advise a member of your care team.
- As well, the lily flower is prohibited in all areas of the hospital. Its strong scent can cause rashes or difficulty breathing for those who have scent allergies.
Family Pets Can Visit
Family pets are permitted to visit in support of the emotional well being of patients. Advanced notice is required and pets must meet specific guidelines to visit. Please consult with a member of the care team if you wish to bring family pets into a patient care area.
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