We understand the integral role families, loved ones and caregivers play in patients’ health and healing. North York General (NYGH) has updated its visitor policy in response to the changing pandemic. Visitors, families and Essential Care Partners (support people) can visit by following the guidelines and requirements set out on the visitor information page.
No, there is no longer a requirement to pre-book and sign-in to the unit on arrival.
Visitors and support people are now welcomed 24 hours a day according to patient’s preference, with two visitors at the bedside at a time to maintain physical distancing. To support families, children under 14 are excluded from this limit but must be accompanied by an adult who is not a patient and wear a mask provided by NYGH.
There may be some exceptions to ensure safety and comfort. Please contact the patient’s nursing station if you have questions.
Everyone can now enter and exit the General site through the West and South lobby entrances between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. and through the Emergency Department after hours.
Visitors and Essential Care Partners (support people) are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for protection against infection and serious illness. If you haven’t received your vaccination or booster shot yet, please do so as soon as you can. See vaccination clinics near you.
Consistent with Ontario’s current vaccination requirements for public spaces and the health system, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required to enter NYGH sites.
If you have clinic or medical imaging appointments or have a day procedure (e.g., endoscopy or day surgery), two support people can accompany you throughout your visit as space permits.
To ensure everyone at the hospital is wearing the same hospital-standard mask (or surgical mask), we require all visitors to wear a surgical mask provided by NYGH in all patient-care areas. This includes inpatient units, outpatient clinics, the Emergency Department, Medical Imaging, all waiting rooms, registration areas, and any clinical service department such as the outpatient laboratory. Thank you for protecting our patients by wearing a mask.
Masks are highly recommended but optional in meeting rooms, the cafeteria, Tim Horton’s, Starbucks, administrative offices, staff break rooms and lounges.
Surgical masks will be available to all patients, families, Essential Care Partners (support people) and visitors when they enter the hospital or our other facilities. Personal cloth masks/face coverings are not allowed on site.
Please clean your hands before putting on a mask and wear it properly at all times. If you have questions about how to put on or take off the mask, please watch our video.
Anyone with symptoms or who is COVID-19 positive should be self-isolating and not visit.
Please also don’t visit if you are COVID-19 positive, awaiting results of a COVID-19 test, in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person, or in quarantine.
Yes, although there should be no more than two visitors or support people by a patient’s bedside at one time to allow physical distancing.
To ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, clinical staff will consider the physical limitations of the space and the care needs of all patients sharing the room. They reserve the right to limit the number of visitors per patient and the length of time visitors remain at the bedside. Visitors may also be required to wear additional Personal Protective Equipment as directed by clinical staff.
While in hospital, patients may require personal items such as clothing, toiletries or other essential items for their care. Only essential items should be brought in to limit the risk of loss or damage.
Visitors and support people may eat or drink only in designated public areas (e.g. cafeteria) and not in patient rooms or waiting rooms.
You can collect food deliveries at public entrances but you must eat in a designated public area.
Yes. Virtual visits are still available over MS Teams or Facetime. To arrange a virtual visit, connect directly with the patient’s nursing unit.