Visiting Information
Our visiting guidelines have expanded. View our essential caregiver and visitor presence information.
All visitors and essential caregivers must self-screen prior to entry. Please review screening entry directions and our COVID-19 information.
St. Joseph's Health Care London acknowledges the central role of family caregivers in the health and well-being of patients/residents. You are important members of the health care team and your participation in care is encouraged.
To support patient/resident and family-centered care, St. Joseph’s does not have specified visiting hours. Family caregivers are welcome based on patient/resident wishes balanced with the care needs, well-being, safety and security for all.
Who is a family caregiver?
A family caregiver is someone – a family member, friend or neighbour – who provides important personal, social, psychological and physical support, assistance or care for an individual.
A visitor policy is still in place for Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care and Veterans Care. Please review our visitor policy before planning a visit to one of these areas of care.
Family Presence Guiding Principles
Patients and residents choose their family caregivers and how they are involved in care.
A family caregiver is anyone the patient or resident identifies as a partner in their care. They do not need to be a legal or biological relative. Patients/residents can change who their family caregiver is based on their condition or needs.
Family caregivers are important to well-being. They are welcomed based on patient/resident wishes.
Patients and residents are told their family caregivers are welcome.
Family caregiver presence is welcomed across St. Joseph’s.
Care is provided at St. Joseph’s in many settings. This includes inpatient units, outpatient clinics and long-term care. With the consent of the patient or resident or substitute decision maker as appropriate, family caregivers are considered partners in these care areas.
Family caregiver presence is balanced with the care needs, well-being, safety and security for all.
Everyone will work together to ensure the safety of all, including other patients/resident and their family, when planning family caregiver presence. This may include considering privacy, security and safe care practices. Family caregivers should balance caregiving with protecting their own health and the wishes of the patient/resident.
Planning ahead may be needed to enter St. Joseph’s buildings at different times of day.
For security, access to the buildings will be limited at certain times of the day. This may require family caregivers to enter the building through certain doors, ringing to have a door unlocked and/or checking in with security. Family caregivers are encouraged to work with the health care team in advance if planning to visit during these times, to ensure access to the building and that the patient/resident is ready to receive them.
General guidelines for everyone’s health
At St. Joseph’s our values are respect, excellence and compassion. To provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone, staff, patients/residents and family caregivers will:
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Respect our patients/residents’ privacy. Staff can only provide information to designated family caregivers or partners in care with permission from the patient/resident.
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Be respectful and courteous in interactions with all.
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Protect everyone from the spread of germs by washing their hands before entering the building and when moving between care areas. Protect everyone from the spread of germs by cleaning hands before entering our buildings, care units, and the patient/resident room, and by following other infection safety protocols.
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If feeling unwell, be considerate of our patients/residents and do not come to St. Joseph’s.
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Be respectful and aware of the need for quiet for all patients/residents and their well-being.
After hours access to St. Joseph’s Hospital
For everyone’s security, there are times of day when access to St. Joseph’s buildings is limited. Family caregivers may be asked to use certain doors, ring to have a door unlocked and/or check in with security.
Grosvenor entrance 1 (Main entrance)
Open Monday to Friday: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
If access is required after hours, please go to Grosvenor entrance 2 (Urgent Care Centre entrance) and use the buzzer beside the door to contact security and gain access.
Grosvenor entrance 2 (Urgent Care entrance)
Open Monday to Friday: 6:15 am – 6:00 pm
Open Saturday and Sunday and statutory holidays: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
If access is required after hours, please use the buzzer beside the door to contact security to gain access.
Cheapside entrance 4
Open Monday to Friday: 5:30 am to 8:00 pm
If access is required during after hours, please go to Grosvenor Entrance 2 (Urgent Care Centre entrance) and use the buzzer beside the door to contact security to gain access.
Parking
- St. Joseph's Hospital
- Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care
- Parkwood Institute
- Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care
- Family Medical and Dental Centre
Quiet hours
Quiet hours are in place from 10 pm - 7 am to promote rest and well-being of all patients/residents. To help us create a calm space, please:
- Speak in hushed tones
- Dim overhead lights
- Silence electronic devices
Family caregivers are asked to connect with a member of the health care team on the unit ahead of time to make arrangements if they plan to be with a patient/resident during quiet hours.