Here is what you need to know about visiting your loved one at QCH

  • All visitors must pass screening and must not be showing signs of any COVID-19 symptoms. There may be times when you have to wait in the screening lineup due to higher numbers of visitors.
  • Visitors must show their proof of vaccination upon entering the hospital.
  • You must wear a mask at all times. You will be given a medical mask at screening.
  • Visits no longer need to be scheduled in advance, unless scheduled visits are common practice, such as the Mental Health Unit and Fairfield site.
  • Up to 2 visitors are allowed at the bedside per day and may come together or separately.
  • Visitors must follow COVID-19 safety guidelines as outlined by the staff for the duration of your visit.
  • Visits may take place any time before 9:00 pm, any day of the week.

If the patient you want to visit is on IPAC precautions (safety precautions put in place when a patient is showing symptoms of a communicable disease), please contact the unit before visiting for the safety of yourself, your loved one, and our staff.

 

Visiting Hours During COVID-19

Outpatient Clinics

Due to space limitations, only 1 essential care partner may accompany the patient to their outpatient appointment.

Fairfield Inn

Visitors are welcome at the Fairfield Inn, where visits will take place in the lobby with proper physical distancing set up. Please call in advance and make an appointment due to space limitations and the preparation required for patients.

Emergency Department

Due to physical distancing and safety requirements, patients can have one visitor or care partner with them in the Emergency Department.

Childbirth Program

Doulas can be present in the labour room to support the mom and her birth partner during delivery, and grandparents and siblings of the newborn are allowed to visit once per day after the baby is born.

Please read our letter to our new moms for more information. Congratulations on your new baby!

Mental Health

Mental Health visiting hours are between 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm on weekdays to respect therapeutic program times, and 10:00 am – 7:00 pm on weekends (excluding 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm for rounds).

Mandatory vaccination for visitors

Queensway Carleton Hospital, like other hospitals in the region, is requiring proof of vaccination for all visitors who come to the hospital. Please have your proof of vaccination – be it printed or downloaded on your phone – ready to show upon entry to the hospital.


Showing proof of vaccination is required as of October 6, 2021. Exceptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, examining potential risks and protections.


Being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 has been proven to be effective at lowering the risk of being infected yourself or infecting others. By being fully vaccinated, you’re protecting yourself and your loved ones – especially those who are sick or in hospital. This is why we are requiring all visitors or essential care partners to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.


Thank you for protecting yourself, your loved ones, and our patients. Please know they are in good hands – we take their safety and care very seriously here at Queensway Carleton Hospital.


Be assured that we will continue to deliver excellent care to your loved one and that we are following the advice of the experts to do everything we can to keep our patients and our healthcare providers safe, and to be available for you if you require acute care in our hospital.


COVID-19 Visitor FAQs

What does "fully vaccinated" mean?

Fully vaccinated means that you have had two doses of a World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccine. 

What exceptions are there?

Exceptions include: 

  • Those visiting patients at the end-of-life
  • Care partners for moms delivering babies
  • People who are essential to accompany patients to appointments or participate in their delivery of care
  • Children under the age of 12
  • People with specific medical exemptions who show their identification and a dated, written document from a physician or nurse practitioner, on their letterhead that confirms the patient’s name and the reason for the medical exemption (see below)

What qualifies as a medical exemption?

  • An allergic reaction to a component of the vaccine (confirmed by an allergist or immunologist), or
  • A case of myocarditis or pericarditis after a first dose of a vaccine.


This must be provided in a written document from a physician or nurse practitioner, on their letterhead.

Can I just show proof of a negative test result instead?

Negative COVID tests cannot be accepted as an alternative to being fully vaccinated. Studies show that people who are fully vaccinated are less likely to be infected with COVID-19 and to infect others, so visitors or essential care partners must show proof that they are fully vaccinated. This is an important step to help keep your loved one safe.

What kind of proof do I need to provide?

You need to provide the official receipt from the government of Ontario.

How do I get a copy of my vaccine receipt?

  1. Go to the COVID-19 Ontario website
  2. Click the checkbox next to “I have read and understand the terms of use.” and Continue
  3. Complete the required fields, then select Continue
  4. Under Vaccination receipts select “Continue” and click "Download the receipt." In the PDF, move your mouse to the top right to the down arrow to download your copy.