Visiting Patients
At Scarborough Health Network (SHN), we are working to ensure a safe environment for everyone entering our hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic — while remaining committed to compassionate care for patients and families. We understand that visiting can contribute greatly to a patient’s quality of life and well-being.
For everyone’s protection, SHN is maintaining masking requirements in our hospitals. Patients and visitors at SHN must continue to wear masks (read more about this decision).
Visitor Information
(June 20, 2022) Scarborough Health Network is easing visitor restrictions at our hospitals (Birchmount, Centenary and General):
-
2 Visitors per patient staying in the hospital.
-
1 Visitor per patient coming for an appointment or test, or to our Emergency Department.
Visitor Requirements
-
Give yourself extra time when coming for scheduled appointments to allow for self-screening at the entrance, and getting a hospital-approved mask
-
Contact your loved ones’ care team to directly book a visit
-
Please do not come to the hospital if you have not scheduled your visit
Other resources
Contact us
For questions or concerns relating to our Visitor Policy, please contact the unit directly or Patient Relations at each of our hospitals:
- Birchmount hospital: 416-495-2701 ext. 5424
- Centenary hospital: 416-284-8131 ext. 4742
- General hospital: 416-495-2701 ext. 6140
How to wear personal protective equipment
If you are visiting a patient who is on isolation precautions, you may be asked to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Follow the instructions below from Public Health Ontario on how to put on and remove PPE. If you have any questions please speak to a member of the health care team.
How to put on PPE
How to remove PPE
Visiting patients virtually
Whenever possible, we encourage family members to conduct visits with patients virtually using mobile devices and the free WiFi available at the hospital. Please speak with the health care team for support with these virtual visits, and borrowing a mobile device for patients who do not have their own phone or tablet.
Self-screening at entrances
Please be aware that as part of our safety measures, visitors are required to self-screen for COVID-19 at hospital entrances, sanitize hands, and keep mask on at all times while in the hospital.
At Scarborough Health Network (SHN), we are working to ensure a safe environment for everyone entering our hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic — while remaining committed to compassionate care for patients and families. We understand that visiting can contribute greatly to a patient’s quality of life and well-being.
For everyone’s protection, SHN is maintaining masking requirements in our hospitals. Patients and visitors at SHN must continue to wear masks (read more about this decision).
Visitor Information
(June 20, 2022) Scarborough Health Network is easing visitor restrictions at our hospitals (Birchmount, Centenary and General):
- 2 Visitors per patient staying in the hospital.
- 1 Visitor per patient coming for an appointment or test, or to our Emergency Department.
Visitor Requirements
- Give yourself extra time when coming for scheduled appointments to allow for self-screening at the entrance, and getting a hospital-approved mask
- Contact your loved ones’ care team to directly book a visit
- Please do not come to the hospital if you have not scheduled your visit
Additional Guidelines
Visitor Policy - Frequently Asked Questions
What will be the visiting schedule and times?
- Visitor(s) will need to work with the care team to determine date and time of visit based on the access limitations.
- Visiting hours are from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Based on guidance from Public Health, as the conditions change we will update families on any changes in the visiting process.
Could visiting become restricted again?
It can happen in two cases:
- If the number of COVID-19 cases in the community increases, SHN can put restrictions on all visiting with the direction of Public Health and/or Ministry of Health.
- If we have cases of COVID-19 or any other communicable illness, or if we are in an outbreak, all visits will have to stop for all patients.
What should visitors do to support their loved ones safety?
- Try to communicate virtually whenever possible (units have dedicated iPads to support virtual visits) – Learn more
- Clean hands frequently with hand sanitizer or soap and water
- Stay home when sick
- Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet (2 metres)
- Wear a mask at all times while visiting to cover your mouth and nose
Thank you in advance for your support, understanding, and patience as we resume visiting while preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Visit our COVID-19 Information page to learn more.
Additional Guidelines
Visitor Policy - Frequently Asked Questions
What will be the visiting schedule and times?
- Visitor(s) will need to work with the care team to determine date and time of visit based on the access limitations.
- Visiting hours are from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Based on guidance from Public Health, as the conditions change we will update families on any changes in the visiting process.
Could visiting become restricted again?
It can happen in two cases:
- If the number of COVID-19 cases in the community increases, SHN can put restrictions on all visiting with the direction of Public Health and/or Ministry of Health.
- If we have cases of COVID-19 or any other communicable illness, or if we are in an outbreak, all visits will have to stop for all patients.
What should visitors do to support their loved ones safety?
- Try to communicate virtually whenever possible (units have dedicated iPads to support virtual visits) – Learn more
- Clean hands frequently with hand sanitizer or soap and water
- Stay home when sick
- Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet (2 metres)
- Wear a mask at all times while visiting to cover your mouth and nose
Thank you in advance for your support, understanding, and patience as we resume visiting while preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Visit our COVID-19 Information page to learn more.
Other resources
Contact us
For questions or concerns relating to our Visitor Policy, please contact the unit directly or Patient Relations at each of our hospitals:
- Birchmount hospital: 416-495-2701 ext. 5424
- Centenary hospital: 416-284-8131 ext. 4742
- General hospital: 416-495-2701 ext. 6140
How to wear personal protective equipment
If you are visiting a patient who is on isolation precautions, you may be asked to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Follow the instructions below from Public Health Ontario on how to put on and remove PPE. If you have any questions please speak to a member of the health care team.
How to put on PPE
How to remove PPE
Visiting patients virtually
Whenever possible, we encourage family members to conduct visits with patients virtually using mobile devices and the free WiFi available at the hospital. Please speak with the health care team for support with these virtual visits, and borrowing a mobile device for patients who do not have their own phone or tablet.