The following changes have been made to our Family and Visitor Presence Policy:

  • Care Partners and Family/Visitors are welcome 24 hours a day according to patient preference.
  • The number of people welcomed at the bedside at any one time is limited to two (2) family/visitors.
    • However, when appropriate, exceptions to this limit will be explored and determined in collaboration with the patient, family/visitors and interprofessional care team at the unit level.  In situations where there are shared rooms, this discussion will include the other patient(s) and their family/visitors.
  • Eating shared food items at the patient’s bedside is discouraged.
    • Family/Visitors are permitted to bring in appropriate/safe external food for patients. However, for the comfort and safety of patients, family/visitors are asked to refrain from eating shared food items in patient rooms. Family/Visitors are encouraged to consume food items at designated eating areas within KHSC such as the Atrium or Café.
  • Children under the age of 14 years are welcome provided they are supervised by an adult who is not the patient.
  • Family/Visitors who are feeling unwell; have an infection; have symptoms of respiratory or flu-like illnesses should not come to the Hospital.
  • For the safety of our patients, family/visitors are required to perform hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub upon entering and leaving the patient’s room.
  • If an infectious outbreak is declared on a specific unit of care, family/visitor restrictions and/or Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) safety measures may be implemented.
  • There may be sudden temporary interruptions to family presence to protect the privacy rights of other patients or to maintain safety and security.

Respect and Privacy

Kingston Health Sciences Centre values respect and privacy and we work to ensure that our patients, families, visitors, staff, physicians, learners and volunteers are treated with care. Please respect everyone's right to privacy while they are in either of our hospital sites.

Abusive, aggressive or violent behavior will not be tolerated. We thank you for your consideration and cooperation in making KHSC a safe place to be.

How we can transform care, together

Kingston Health Sciences Centre respects and values family and visitors as integral partners in providing excellent patient care. We encourage you to talk with the care team about how you can best and most safely assist in the care of your loved one. Click here (EN) CLIQUEZ ICI (FR) to learn about the many ways you can help with a patient’s daily living activities, nutrition, mobility and comfort during their hospital stay.