Guelph Hospital Visiting Hours

General Visiting Hours

Guelph General Hospital has established visiting hours to ensure patients receive adequate rest and medical care while allowing family and friends to provide the necessary emotional support.

The general visiting hours are typically from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. However, these hours can vary depending on the specific department and patient needs.

Department-Specific Hours

Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Visiting hours in the ICU are more restricted to ensure the critical care environment remains calm and controlled. Typically, visits are allowed from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Maternity Ward: New mothers can have visitors from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Immediate family members, especially partners and siblings of the newborn, are often given more flexibility.
Pediatric Ward: Visiting hours are generally more flexible to accommodate the presence of parents and guardians, allowing visits from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Weekend and Holiday Hours

Visiting hours during weekends and holidays generally follow the same schedule as weekdays, but it’s always a good idea to check with the hospital for any special arrangements or changes that might occur during these periods.

Visitor Restrictions and Guidelines

To maintain a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors, Guelph General Hospital has implemented several visitor restrictions and guidelines, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Related Guidelines

With the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital has had to adjust its visitor policies to mitigate the risk of virus transmission. As of the latest update:

One Visitor Per Day: All non-COVID-19 patients are allowed one visitor per day. This helps minimize the number of people in the hospital at any given time.
Screening and Masking: All visitors must pass a health screening at the hospital entrance, which includes temperature checks and symptom questionnaires. Visitors are also required to wear a mask at all times within the hospital.
Social Distancing: Visitors must maintain a two-metre distance from others, practice frequent hand hygiene, and avoid eating or drinking in patient rooms to prevent mask removal.

General Visitor Guidelines

Age Restrictions: Visitors under the age of 12 are generally not permitted unless special arrangements are made.
Health Precautions: Visitors who are feeling unwell or have been in contact with COVID-19 positive individuals are advised not to visit the hospital.
Respect for Hospital Protocols: Following the hospital’s visitor guidelines helps ensure a safe and healing environment for all patients and staff.

Exceptions to Visiting Hours

Guelph General Hospital understands that there are circumstances that require flexibility in visiting hours. These exceptions are typically granted to ensure that patients receive the necessary emotional and physical support during critical times.

Essential Visitors and Caregivers

In situations where a patient requires constant support due to their medical condition or mobility issues, essential visitors or caregivers may be allowed to visit outside the standard visiting hours. These visitors often include:

Primary Caregivers: Individuals who provide day-to-day care for the patient, such as feeding, bathing, or other personal care tasks.
Immediate Family Members: Especially in cases where the presence of a loved one significantly contributes to the patient’s comfort and well-being.

Pediatric Patients

Children in the hospital often benefit greatly from the presence of their parents or guardians. As such, the hospital allows for more flexible visiting hours for pediatric patients.

Parents or guardians are often encouraged to stay with their children as much as possible, and accommodations such as sleeping arrangements within the room may be provided.

Palliative and End-of-Life Care

For patients receiving palliative care or those at the end of life, the hospital recognizes the importance of having loved ones nearby.

Visiting hours are typically extended or lifted entirely for these patients to allow family members to spend valuable time with their loved ones.

This compassionate approach helps provide comfort to both the patient and their family during a challenging time.

Case Study: Flexible Visiting Hours in Palliative Care

A study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine highlighted the positive impact of flexible visiting hours on both patients and their families.

It showed that extended visiting hours helped reduce anxiety and depression among patients, while family members felt more involved in the care process, leading to better overall satisfaction with the hospital experience.

Special Considerations

The hospital also makes special considerations for:

Post-Surgical Patients: Immediate family members may be allowed to visit outside standard hours to assist with post-operative care and recovery.
Mental Health Support: For patients experiencing severe mental health crises, support from close family members or friends can be critical, and exceptions are often made to visiting hours.

Policies for These Exceptions

To ensure safety and order, the hospital requires that all exceptions to visiting hours be pre-approved by the healthcare team. Visitors must still adhere to all other hospital policies, including health screenings and mask mandates.

Preparing for Your Visit

Planning your visit to Guelph General Hospital can help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. This section covers everything you need to know before heading to the hospital.

What to Bring

To ensure you have a comfortable visit, consider bringing the following items:

Identification: A government-issued ID for visitor verification.
Contact Information: Phone numbers of the patient’s primary nurse or ward, in case you need assistance.
Personal Items: Items such as a book, electronic device (with headphones), or a small bag to carry essentials.
Comfort Items: For longer visits, bring a water bottle, snacks (if permitted), and any personal comfort items.

What to Avoid

To maintain a safe and quiet environment, avoid bringing:

Large Bags or Valuables: Space in patient rooms is often limited, and it’s best to avoid bringing valuables.
Flowers or Plants: Some wards, particularly ICU and oncology, restrict these items due to allergy and infection control concerns.
Outside Food: Check with the hospital beforehand, as outside food may not be allowed, especially in specialized wards.

Health and Safety Protocols

Guelph General Hospital has specific health and safety protocols to protect patients, staff, and visitors:

Screening Process: All visitors must pass a health screening at the entrance, which includes temperature checks and a brief questionnaire about symptoms and recent travel.
Hand Hygiene: Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the hospital. Visitors are encouraged to sanitize their hands frequently.
Mask Wearing: Masks must be worn at all times within the hospital premises. Visitors should bring their own masks, but the hospital provides them if necessary.
Social Distancing: Maintain a safe distance from others, especially in common areas such as waiting rooms and hallways.

Parking and Transportation

Finding convenient parking and transportation options can make your visit easier:

Hospital Parking: Guelph General Hospital offers ample parking facilities. Parking fees may apply, and there are designated spots for visitors.
Public Transportation: The hospital is accessible via local bus routes. Check the Guelph Transit website for schedules and routes.
Drop-off and Pick-up Zones: There are designated areas for quick drop-offs and pick-ups near the main entrance. Ensure to follow the hospital’s guidelines to avoid congestion.

Parking Fees at Guelph General Hospital

Duration	Fee
Up to 1 hour	$3.00
1-2 hours	$6.00
2-3 hours	$9.00
Daily Maximum	$15.00
Weekly Pass	$50.00
Monthly Pass	$150.00

Note: Fees are subject to change. Verify with the hospital for the most current rates.

Contact Information and Support

Visiting Guelph General Hospital is more manageable when you have the right contact information and are aware of the available support services and amenities. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate your visit efficiently.

Contact Information

For any inquiries or assistance, you can reach Guelph General Hospital through various channels:

Reception and Patient Inquiries: 519-822-5350
Automated Telephone System: 519-837-6440
Emergency Department: 519-837-6420
TTY (Teletypewriter) for Hearing Impaired: 519-837-6437
Crisis Situations: Call 911
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.gghorg.ca/

Address:

115 Delhi St,
Guelph, ON,
N1E 4J4

Patient Support Services

Guelph General Hospital offers a range of support services to ensure the well-being of patients and their families:

Social Work and Discharge Planning: This service helps patients transition smoothly from hospital to home, coordinating with community services to support post-hospital care.
Spiritual and Religious Care: Chaplains are available to provide spiritual support and counseling to patients and their families.
Dietetic and Nutritional Counseling: Expert dietitians assist patients with dietary needs and provide nutritional advice tailored to their medical conditions.
Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment: The hospital has a specialized unit that offers confidential and compassionate care to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Amenities

The hospital provides several amenities to enhance the comfort of patients and visitors:

Gift Shop: Located in the main lobby, open Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. All proceeds go towards purchasing patient care equipment.
Cafeteria and Food Services: Offers a variety of meal options for patients, visitors, and staff.
Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the hospital to ensure visitors and patients stay connected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Having questions about visiting Guelph General Hospital is common. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you plan your visit.

Can I visit a patient outside of regular visiting hours?

Yes, in certain situations, such as critical care or end-of-life circumstances, visits outside of regular hours may be permitted. Always check with the nursing staff or the patient’s healthcare team for approval.

What should I do if I feel unwell before my visit?

If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of an infectious disease (e.g., fever, cough, or gastrointestinal symptoms), it is best to postpone your visit to protect the health of patients and staff. You can contact the hospital to reschedule your visit.

Are children allowed to visit?

Generally, children under 12 years old are not permitted to visit patients to reduce the risk of infections. However, exceptions can be made in certain circumstances, especially in cases involving immediate family members. It is advisable to check with the hospital beforehand.

What is the screening process for visitors?

All visitors must undergo a health screening at the hospital entrance. This includes temperature checks and answering questions about recent travel and any symptoms of illness. This screening process helps ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Can I bring outside food to the hospital?

Bringing outside food is generally discouraged, especially in certain wards like ICU and oncology, where patients may have specific dietary restrictions or compromised immune systems. If you wish to bring food, check with the patient’s healthcare team first.

How can I stay updated about changes in visiting hours and policies?

The best way to stay informed about any changes in visiting hours or hospital policies is to regularly check the Guelph General Hospital’s official website or contact their reception desk.

The hospital also posts updates on its social media channels and through local news outlets.

Updates and Changes

Staying informed about the latest updates and changes to visiting hours and policies at Guelph General Hospital is crucial for ensuring a smooth visit.

Given the dynamic nature of health guidelines, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital frequently revises its protocols to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and visitors.

How to Stay Updated

Official Hospital Website: The most reliable source for current visiting hours and policies is the Guelph General Hospital’s official website. The site is regularly updated with the latest information and any changes to hospital operations.
Contact Information:
- Reception and Patient Inquiries: 519-822-5350
- Automated Telephone System: 519-837-6440
- Email: [email protected]
Social Media: Follow Guelph General Hospital on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter for real-time updates and announcements. Social media can provide timely information, especially during unforeseen events or emergencies.
Local News Outlets: Keep an eye on local news channels and websites. News outlets often report on significant changes or updates affecting the community, including hospital visiting policies.

Example of Recent Updates

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Guelph General Hospital had to implement and frequently update visitor restrictions to align with provincial health directives.

For instance, as COVID-19 cases dropped and the province entered Step 2 of the reopening plan, the hospital eased some visitor restrictions, allowing one visitor per day for non-COVID-19 patients.

However, visitors were still required to pass a health screening and adhere to safety protocols such as mask-wearing and social distancing.

Importance of Following Updates

Adhering to the latest guidelines and updates is essential for several reasons:

Safety: Ensuring the safety of all patients, visitors, and hospital staff by minimizing the risk of infection spread.
Compliance: Staying compliant with provincial and hospital-specific health directives.
Preparedness: Being prepared for any changes in policies, such as restricted visiting hours during health emergencies or outbreaks.

By staying informed and following the latest updates, you can contribute to a safer and more supportive hospital environment.

Visiting a loved one in the hospital can be a critical part of their recovery and emotional well-being. Understanding the visiting hours, guidelines, and available resources at Guelph General Hospital ensures that your visit is both supportive and safe.

By adhering to the hospital’s guidelines, preparing adequately for your visit, and staying informed about any updates or changes in policies, you can make the most out of your time spent with your loved one.

Whether you’re visiting during standard hours or require special accommodations, Guelph General Hospital is committed to providing a welcoming and safe environment for all visitors.