Visiting West Haldimand General Hospital

• Outside food brought in for patients must be individually packaged and not shared. All leftovers must be discarded as they cannot be kept in unit fridges.
• The WHGH Cafeteria is limited to take-out packaged options only. Following COVID-19 requirements, cafeteria seating areas are for staff use only.
• The Volunteer Gift Shop is open to dine in and take-out options.
• Please practice good hand hygiene at all times, including when entering and leaving the hospital and before eating food.
• Practice physical distancing (2 metres/6 feet apart)

Visitors can bring personal items into the hospital for patients. Please note that patient areas must remain decluttered. Items may be sent home if interfering with the ability to clean or provide care. All items are to be for individual use only and are not to be shared or passed to other patients.

The patient is responsible for all belongings and/or valuables in their possession during admission. WHGH assumes no responsibility and or liability for lost or damaged valuables and or belongings brought to the hospital.

To ensure the privacy of our patients, visitors and staff, consent is required for any photograph, recording or interview. Without consent, the use of photography, video or sound recordings are not permitted on hospital property.

Some units may have exceptions. Please check with the unit before visiting the hospital to address any exceptions with the clinical manager or care team.

For the safety and well-being of everyone in the hospital, there are some general guidelines that we ask you to follow:

• Rest and sleep are important for our patients. You may need to shorten visits if the patient is tired and needs rest.
• Please do not visit if you feel unwell or have symptoms such as cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, or a new rash.
• Your visit may be interrupted to provide patient care. We ask that if care is being provided by the care team that you wait until they are finished to visit.
• Patient safety is a top priority at WHGH. In hospitals, the risk of infection is high and extra care needs to be taken to reduce the spread of germs. Visitors are reminded to regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially after eating, coughing, sneezing and using the washroom.
• WHGH has provided hand sanitizer for visitor use throughout our hospitals. Please use this often during your visit. Remember to make sure your hands are dry after applying the sanitizer before you touch anything.
• Respecting each other is important when we experience challenges. Being in the hospital can be frustrating and stressful. We would like to hear and discuss any concerns you may have. Together we can find a way to resolve them.
• If you are feeling unwell, you can send your wishes to your loved one through our Send an E-card

• Complete the self-screening questions posted at our entrances.
• Follow strict hand hygiene guidelines.
• Ensure any food brought in for the patient is individually packaged and not shared. All leftovers must be discarded and cannot be left at the hospital.
• Practice physical distancing (2 metres/6 feet apart)
• Use public washroom(s) and not patient washrooms.
• Consult with clinical team to determine length of visit.
• Going for walks with the patient in the hallways is permitted.
• Please note that visitors may be asked to leave if the number of visitors impacts the ability of patients to receive medical attention.

• For patients located on a unit in a COVID outbreak.
• If they have tested positive for COVID-19.
• If the visitor has had close contact with a confirmed case or probable case of COVID-19.
• If they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.
• If they have been outside of Canada in the last 14 days and have been told to isolate when entering the country
• Share food