Family & Caregiver Visiting Guidelines

Respiratory virus season is upon us once again, and beginning November 24, 2025, Enhanced Masking will be in place in clinical areas across the Alliance. This targeted approach helps protect our most vulnerable patients while supporting the health and safety of our frontline teams as they care for our communities throughout the months ahead. By focusing masking in our highest-risk spaces, we can deliver an added layer of protection where it is needed most.

Throughout the respiratory virus season, the following mask requirements will be in place:

• Family caregivers and visitors are expected to mask in patient rooms, but this would not be enforced beyond encouragement and reminders (with the exception of outbreak situations and patients on Additional Precautions)
• Masks continue to be required for everyone coming into the ED and in the ED waiting room
• Masks are highly recommended in all other outpatient areas
• As always, people with respiratory illness who are unable to reschedule their visit will be required to wear a mask for the entire time they are in the hospital

Enhanced masking is being implemented in response to rising respiratory illness activity across Huron and Perth, with provincial surveillance data indicating that Ontario can expect further increases in the weeks ahead. By taking these proactive steps now, we can help reduce the spread of illness and maintain a safer environment for our patients, families, and staff.

All individuals entering the hospital must follow Infection Prevention and Control guidelines. The screening questions are displayed at the entrances of all four HPHA site locations.

Individuals should NOT visit the hospital if they are feeling unwell.

At HPHA, we are committed to fostering a people-centered care environment that values the presence and involvement of caregivers, support persons, and family members. These guidelines aim to ensure that such support remains a vital part of a patient’s care journey.

Caregiver, support person, and family presence is determined in consultation with the patient and their loved ones, taking into account individual needs and preferences.

Caregivers/Support Persons are recognized as essential care partners. These individuals may include family members, close friends, or relatives identified by the patient or their substitute decision-maker. They are welcome to be present 24/7 with the patient to provide various forms of support that may include:

• Physical, psychological, and emotional support
• Assistance with decision-making
• Participation in care coordination
• Ensuring continuity of care

Caregivers, support persons, or family members staying with a patient overnight are asked to help maintain a healing and restful environment for all patients. This includes:

• Speaking quietly
• Using headphones with electronic devices
• Minimizing noise and disruptions
• Using only low, directed lighting when needed

Respectful behavior is expected at all times. If these expectations are not met, staff may intervene, which could include a request to adjust behavior or, if necessary, restrict overnight presence.

 

 

General visitors play an important social and emotional role in supporting patients, though they do not participate as active partners in care. Visits are guided by the patient’s condition, care needs, and expressed wishes.

Please note that visiting may be limited during times of high-risk infectious illness or outbreaks, in order to protect the health and safety of all patients, staff, and visitors.

HPHA welcomes the presence of children under the age of 12, provided they are accompanied by an adult at all times.

Please respect the privacy of other patients.

Individuals should try to avoid eating or drinking in the patient rooms. Designated areas are available to purchase and consume meals and snacks.

Please do not use the patient washroom. Public washrooms are available; inquire with the inpatient unit for locations.

Individuals may bring in food for the patient they are visiting. Please be aware of any dietary restrictions the patient may have. All food containers must be disposed of or taken home.

Chemotherapy patients may bring their own food and drink to their appointment.

To maintain Infection Prevention and Control standards and the safety of our staff and patients, please bring only the listed items below to the hospital for patients:

• personal aids, eyeglasses, hearing aids and dentures
• sleep aids such as earplugs or eye masks
• mobility items (canes, walkers, wheelchairs)
• personal care items (scent-free) – soap, toothpaste,
• denture cup, denture cleaning products, toothbrushes, combs and hair brushes
• books, magazines, puzzle books, family photos etc.
• mobile phone/tablet
• pajamas and robe worn above the ankle
• non-slip and full-back slippers or footwear

Please do not bring valuables such as jewelry, watches or large sums of money.

Although we work hard to maintain a secure environment, the hospital does not assume responsibility for any personal belongings that may go missing during a patient’s hospital stay.

As a first step, we encourage you to speak with the Patient Care Manager of the unit where the patient is receiving care. If you feel your question or concern requires further attention, please contact the Corporate Patient Experience Office by phone: 1-888-275-1112 Ext. 2423 or email patientexperience2@hpha.ca and we would be pleased to assist you.

These guidelines have been reviewed and endorsed by our Patient & Caregiver Partners

We appreciate your continued support in helping us keep our patients, families, and communities safe.