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

To protect our patients, the hospital must temporarily restrict visitors, effective December 31st at 3 pm. Only designated essential care partners will be permitted in the hospital.  An essential care partner is someone who has been determined in advance. This is done in consultation with the care team to ensure that they are required for direct, hands-on care, essential emotional support, or translation requirements that cannot be met through virtual services.

We know that visitors are an important part of the healing process. Unfortunately, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has proven to be particularly contagious, and there is a high prevalence of COVID in our community.  While the COVID vaccine has been proven to be effective at protecting against serious illness, patients who are hospitalized are often more vulnerable to illness and we must take the necessary steps to protect them.

• All essential care partners 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.
• Essential care partners 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.
• At this time, only one designated essential care partner can enter the hospital. No other visitors will be permitted until further notice.
• Essential care partners must follow COVID-19 safety guidelines as outlined by the staff for the duration of their visit.
• Essential care partners 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.

Exceptions will be made for compassionate care reasons. 

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.