Or download the printable version here.
Updated Nov. 9
As part of gradually lifting visitor restrictions, visits are subject to certain conditions. This helps ensure the safety of everyone at the hospital.
Inpatients (those admitted to the hospital) may have one visitor during each block:
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
To help maintain a safe environment, including reducing the number of people entering the hospital, visitors may not rotate throughout the allotted time. It is recommended that each inpatient’s family and friends agree to a visitation schedule in advance to ensure patients only have one visitor throughout each time block.
Patients coming for clinic visits and other outpatient services:
Patients coming for clinic visits and other outpatient services are still asked to come alone. This includes Diagnostic Imaging (e.g. X-rays, CT scans, etc.), the Walker Family Cancer Centre and Dialysis Units. Patients with extenuating circumstances are encouraged to contact their care provider directly to discuss their needs. Anyone accompanying a patient to an appointment must be preapproved and meet all visitor criteria.
Patients visiting our Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centres can have one caregiver/visitor accompany them for support. As Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centres often see a high number of patients, visiting may be restricted at times, if physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Accessing the hospital:
There are limited entrances to our sites. All inpatient visitors are asked to enter through the main entrance of each site, with the exception being visitors at the Port Colborne Site and Douglas Memorial Site using the Urgent Care Centre entrance.
Limited exceptions
Limited exceptions to this policy will be made on a case-by-case basis. This includes:- Compassionate reasons.
- Patients on the Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care units may have one visitor.
- Women in labour may have one support person at all times. In addition, if patients have a doula supporting them, this person may attend the birth as part of the care team.
- Other exceptions as determined by the care team. Please contact the manager on the unit where the patient is staying.
We are committed continuously evaluating our Visitor Policy and making changes to help ensure the best care possible for our patients and families.
Compassionate entry for travellers and limited release from quarantine
If you’re coming from out of country to visit a loved one in the hospital for compassionate reasons, please visit the Government of Canada website here for more information.
Click here to download the printable screening form.
Visitors coming to Niagara Health must:
Be 18 years of age or older.
Pass screening.
Bring their own mask and wear it at all times while in the hospital.
Follow signage and other directional information while at the hospital.
Maintain a safe physical distance of six feet (two metres) from others while at NH sites.
Practice meticulous hand hygiene upon entry and at appropriate times while in the hospital.
Limit their movement while in the hospital, staying in the patient’s room for the duration of the visit.
