Visitors and Care Partners at LHSC
During the pandemic, LHSC has had to limit the number of visitors to promote patient, staff, and visitor safety. The information here does not apply to patients and patients are encouraged to seek care at LHSC when needed.
Important Changes to the Visitor Policy
LHSC continues to monitor and adapt the Care Partner Presence policy to align with provincial direction, LHSC Infection Prevention and Control recommendations, and regional hospitals. At this time, there will be no changes to the Care Partner Presence policy and proof of vaccination will still be required for all non-essential visitors.
Patients are asked to identify their essential care partners before appointments or on admission. The care team will determine those care partners who are “essential” to provide care, keep patients safe, and for compassionate reasons (see below for more information). Ask your care team if your care partner is “essential”.
A limited number of care partners can be pre-registered by the care team (see below for more information). All care partners will be asked to provide proof of vaccination with identification. Some exceptions are being made for “essential” care partners who do not have proof of vaccination to be in hospital.
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| Patient Population |
Essential Care Partners |
Non-Essential Care Partners (proof of vaccination required) -as of December 31, 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Children's Outpatient OR Emergency Department | One care partner permitted per visit |
Not permitted at this time
|
| Children's Inpatient | Two care partners permitted in hospital at one time |
Not permitted at this time *Effective February 16, two non-essential care partners will be permitted (may include siblings and extended family). Please confirm with care team for children under 18 years old. Limit two care partners at one time. |
| Adult Outpatient OR Emergency Department | If it is determined that a care partner is essential, one care partner will be permitted to accompany the patient |
Not permitted at this time
|
| Adult Inpatient |
If it is determined that a care partner is essential, one care partner may be registered for daily visits * Effective February 16, only one visitor permitted each day. |
Not permitted at this time *Effective February 16, a total of four care partners can be registered (this can be a combination of essential and non-essential). Only one visitor permitted each day. Non-essential visitors to limit visitation between 2:00 - 10:00 p.m. |
| Adult Inpatient (palliative) | May register up to 8 care partners; Two permitted in hospital at one time |
Not permitted at this time *Effective February 16, the care team will discuss your unique situation for additional requests. |
| Labouring Patients | One essential care partner permitted in hospital at one time |
Not permitted at this time *Effective February 16, may register one non-essential care partner. Two care partners permitted in hospital at one time. Only one care partner permitted in mother-baby care unit. |
What do I do before I visit the hospital?
- All care partners must be registered to enter the hospital. All requests for registration should be made to the care team responsible for the appointment or admission. Confirm with your care team whether your care partner(s) have been registered as ‘essential’ or ‘nonessential’.
- Self-screen for symptoms of COVID-19. Please self-screen for symptoms of COVID-19. If you fail screening, avoid coming to the hospital unless specifically directed by your care team.
- Proof of vaccination and identification. Be ready with your proof of COVID-19 vaccination with photo identification. If you need help printing your proof, London Public Libraries can help you with this. To protect patients, staff, and visitors it is preferred that everyone be vaccinated but there are exceptions. Ask the care team before coming to visit.
- Arrival timing. Please prepare to arrive 30-45 minutes before a visit/appointment in order to be screened at the door. Plan for the weather as there may be a line outside of the entrance doors. Care partners that are non-essential can only visit between 2:00 - 10:00 p.m. Visiting hours in Mental Health and Addictions are between 2:00 - 8:00 p.m.
What do I do when I get to the hospital?
- Proceed to a patient/visitor entrance for screening. You will be required to go through entrance screening upon arrival into the hospital. You will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19, recent travel outside of Canada, and close contact with people who have COVID-19. It is important that you answer all screening questions honestly for the safety of yourself and others. You will be asked to show proof of vaccination and photo identification.
- Clean your hands (Remove Gloves). Please clean your hands using the hand sanitizer provided. If you are wearing gloves, you will be asked to remove them in order to clean your hands properly.
- Put on a mask. Everyone entering LHSC must wear a mask at all times.* You will be given a mask by screening. Your mask should be fully covering your nose, mouth and chin at all times. Try to avoid adjusting your mask or touching your face while you are wearing your mask. Always wash your hands both before and after putting on or taking off your mask. Leave your mask on until you are outside of the hospital or back home. Visitors who have shown proof of vaccination may remove their mask in designated areas. Please ask the care team.
*Please see patient and visitor masking guidelines for exemptions.
What should I do in the hospital?
- Proceed directly to a patient’s room or appointment. You will need to go directly to your appointment or stay with the patient while you are inside LHSC. You may be directed to stay in a designated waiting area if you need to be separated during tests or treatments. We kindly ask that you not walk around the hospital and avoid public spaces (e.g. Cafeteria) to assist in maintaining physical distancing.
- Practice physical distancing. Follow directions from staff, wall signage and floor markers throughout the hospital. Pay close attention to some public spaces where physical distancing measures have been put in place such as only 3 people to an elevator and designated entrances/exits to use.
Info Sheet: Being a care partner at LHSC
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is LHSC limiting visitors and care partners?
We understand that limits to visitation are difficult for patients and families. Our top priority is keeping our most vulnerable patients safe, while also addressing patient care backlogs. High volumes and tight space make social distancing very difficult, which is distinctly different than other spaces, such as shopping malls. To provide as much patient care as we can, we must limit the number of people in our hospitals to those who need to be here the most.
How do I contact the care team to be registered as a care partner?
When a patient appointment is booked or a patient is admitted you should be asked to identify care partners and given direction specific to the appointment or patient stay. You can reach out to any care team member to be directed to the appropriate person for registration.
What are other hospitals doing?
LHSC worked with regional hospitals and patient/family advisors in the review/revision of this policy.
What if my situation doesn’t fit in essential but I need a care partner?
Patient care needs may change during their care at LHSC. We encourage you to speak with your care team about your situation.
What evidence of vaccination will you accept?
- Printed or electronic COVID Enhanced Certificate QR Code with photo ID https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/
- Printed or electronic COVID vaccine certificate with photo ID *care partners under the age of 18 can show non-photo ID
Note: London Public Libraries are supporting individuals to look up and print out copies of vaccination records
Can I change my care partner?
In an attempt to limit the number of individuals a patient is exposed to, we are discouraging changing care partners registered. There are exceptional circumstances where this might be required and will require leader approval. Contact your care team.
