At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, we value family-centered care and the dignity of the individual. To that end, we believe that visits from family members and friends play an important role in the healing process and that designated visiting hours and policies provide an effective mechanism to support this.

Visiting hours are from 11:30 a.m. – 8: 30 p.m.

Two visitors may visit a patient at a time. When possible, public space such as the patient lounge may be utilized when multiple visitors are present. Exceptions may be made for critically ill patients. The Lounge is for the use of all patients on that unit.

As advocates for our patients’ health, nursing staff may need to minimize the number of visitors and may do so at their discretion. Decisions to restrict visitors and limit the length and time of visits will be based on:

• the patient’s own health needs, diagnostic and treatment activities or programs
• all patients’ need for privacy

The nurse will discuss with the patient, family and significant others decisions to restrict visiting based on patients’ needs.

Due to the high risk environment, the hospital does not encourage visits from infants and children. Children who do visit, must be supervised by a visiting adult. Children will be asked to leave if they disturb patients.

Family members or friends who are unwell or who have been exposed to an infectious disease are asked not to visit.

The close of visiting hours will be announced overhead at 8:30 p.m.. Access to the hospital after this time will be monitored by security and no visitors will be admitted to any unit without prior authorization from the nursing staff.

Requests for exceptions to the policy must be discussed with the manager/designate

Service specific policies should be referred to for:

• Mental Health Services
• Critical Care (ICU)
• Renal Services
• Maternal Child Services
• Emergency Services
• Neurosurgical Unit