Coming to the Hospital

During the COVID-19 Pandemic...

Updated visitation policy:  

To book an appointment for visiting, please call 613-938-4240 ext. 4778 between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Health care and the hospital environment is different than other large or public spaces like a grocery store. Our patients are vulnerable, often with illnesses and chronic conditions that make them more susceptible to infections. Patient and staff safety are paramount during the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure our approach reflects the needs of our community, our updated visitation policy has been developed working closely with local patient and caregiver advisors.

Infection prevention and control cornerstones include:

  • Universal masking
  • Hand Hygiene
  • Physical separation/distancing
  • Screening for COVID-19 exposure/symptoms
Family Care Partners/Visitors

Family presence is important to the recovery of your loved one. Every admitted patient can assign 2 Family Care Partners/visitors. Family is used here in the broadest sense. It is someone who provides critical and often ongoing support, assistance and care, without pay for people in need of support due to frailty, illness, degenerative disease, physical/cognitive/mental disability or end of life circumstances. They also usually know their loved one (a patient at CCH) best, and are uniquely attuned to subtle changes in their behaviour or status, which is an important strategy for reducing risk and preventing harm while at the hospital.

Similar to other regional hospitals, patients admitted to CCH can now identify a maximum of two total visitors. This approach allows us to minimize risk of exposure/overcrowding at the hospital, while connecting patients with important care partners/visitors.

  • All patient visits must be scheduled in advance to ensure appropriate screening and safety measures including physical distancing while on-site.
  • Visits can last for up to one hour.
  • All visitors must wear a mask when visiting. If not available, a mask will be provided upon entry.
  • Patients who have been tested for COVID-19 cannot have visitors until the results are received and they are negative.
  • To book an appointment for visiting, please call 613-938-4240 ext. 4778 between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
Department Specific Information:

Emergency Department:
Due to space restrictions in the emergency department and the need to ensure physical distancing due to COVID-19, the ED is not allowing patients to have family/caregivers or visitors accompany them in to the ED waiting room and department.

Exceptions are the following:

  • Patients that have cognitive challenges and requires support person
  • Guardian/parent accompanying a child
  • Patient’s end of life is imminent 
  • *Compassionate reasons including mental health considerations, care partner/visitor senior support (these cases will be evaluated on a “case by case” basis with ED staff and the screeners)
*Note: Because of physical distancing requirements, this group will not be allowed to wait in the waiting room but can be called once patient is settled in ED and the primary nurse/physician deems it appropriate to have family/care partner present.

Critical Care Unit (CCU): Only 1 Care Partner is designated for this department. Determined case by case. Hours typically between 12pm and 8pm. Please call ext:2260 to request visitation.

Women and Children’s Health: 1 partner/person accompanying the labouring mom. No in and out privileges; meal tray with be provided for both mom and accompanying person.

Virtual Family Visits

Using Your Own Device:
With visiting restrictions in effect, we encourage families to reach out to their loved ones who are staying at the hospital, by using their own device for a virtual visit.

Using a CCH device:
If your loved one at the hospital does not have access to a device like a tablet or a smart phone, Cornwall Hospital can help by lending a hospital owned tablet to facilitate a virtual visit!

What you need for a Virtual Family Visit:
• A valid email address
• A computer/tablet or phone with a camera and microphone
• The Zoom App

A request to set up a virtual visit can be made by emailing virtual.visit@cornwallhospital.ca or by calling 613-938-4240 ext: 4740 and is available between the hours of 8h00 and 16h00 7 days a week. Information like the patient’s room number/name and time of desired visit are helpful details to include when communicating. 

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