Infomemo
A memorandum of timely information of interest to all Kingston General Hospital
staff, volunteers and physicians
2009 October 26
KGH introduces flexible visiting hours
Building on our commitment to create and foster a patient and family-centred environment
Kingston General Hospital will introduce flexible visiting hours effective November 9, 2009 – the
same day our new model of care debuts.
KGH recognizes that family, friends and other support members contribute to positive health
outcomes and a positive patient experience. Research shows that visitors can help decrease
patient anxiety, provide patients with emotional support, improve communication between
patients and families and the care team, increasing overall patient and visitor satisfaction.
The decision to introduce flexible visiting hours was approved following preparations for the
introduction of the Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Model (ICPM), which strives to
respect the balance between the patient’s need for effective care and visitor support.
Although there will no longer be prescribed visiting hours, visiting is always based on the
condition, care needs and expressed wishes of the patient. Adjustments to visiting will be
planned in collaboration with the patient, family/friends and care team.
Patients should have no more than two visitors at a time. Visitors in the hospital between 2000
(8 p.m.) and 0600 hours (6 a.m.) must check in with Security in the Kidd/Davies main lobby to
be provided with a temporary ID. As always, visitors who are feeling unwell, have an infection,
have symptoms of flu-like or respiratory illness or communicable disease should not visit. To
read the full policy (#07-070), visit xxxxxxxx on the KGH Intranet.
KGH is not the first Ontario hospital to move forward with flexible visiting. Five of 19 surveyed
hospitals, including Providence Care’s Mental Health Services and St. Mary’s of the Lake
Hospital sites, have liberal visiting hours.
Over the next few weeks we will be educating our patients, families, visitors, staff and other
health-care partners about this change in policy. We are also working on amending existing
signage and other patient-related materials. We have also addressed some frequently asked
questions (FAQs) that are attached. Should you have additional questions or concerns, please
speak to your manager or supervisor.
Visitors play an important role in our patients recovery and well being and we believe this new
policy enhances our new model in encouraging a patient-centred approach to care.
Eleanor Rivoire
Vice President, Clinical Administration & Professional Practice
& Chief Nursing Executive
PLEASE POST/CIRCULATE
Visiting Hours FAQs
What is different with visiting hours?
The revised visiting policy is flexible. There are no longer prescribed or restricted hours. Visiting
hours are based on the condition, care needs and expressed wishes of the patient.
Are there changes to how many visitors are allowed?
Patients should have no more than two visitors at a time. Visitors in the hospital between 2000
(8 p.m.) and 0600 hours (6 a.m.) must check in with Security in the Kidd/Davies main lobby to
be provided with a temporary ID.
What about children?
Children under 14 years old must be directly supervised by an adult, who is not the patient.
What about critical care areas?
There is no change to the visiting policy for Kidd 2 ICU and Davies 4 ICU. These areas did not
previously have set visiting hours.
What about the emergency department?
A separate policy exists for the emergency department. Only parents of children and attendants
of critically ill patients are allowed to visit in the emergency room. Patients are asked to try and
limit attendants to one person if possible. Exceptions are made at the judgment of the care
team.
Pre-surgical patients often arrive before 0600 hours (6 a.m.). Do accompanying
family/attendants need to visit Security and obtain a temporary ID badge?
No. These families/attendants are not considered visitors. They are accompanying a family
member for care.
What about infection control? Aren’t we opening our patients up to an increased possibility of
acquiring infections?
As always, visitors who are feeling unwell, have an infection, have symptoms of flu-like or
respiratory illness or communicable disease should not visit. Recent reviews show no link
between flexible visiting hours and increased infection rates.
How do we account for people on nights when we have issues such as floods/fires?
Visitors in the hospital between 2000 (8 p.m.) and 0600 hours (6 a.m.) must check in with
Security in the Kidd/Davies main lobby to be provided with a temporary ID. The policy also
states that visiting may be restricted to maintain safety and security decisions.
How do we manage visitors during shift change?
Within a patient-centred, family-focused model of care, and with the consent of the patient, the
family should be able to stay with the patient and may participate in rounds.
What about visitors in ward rooms where we my have up to eight visitors in addition to patients?
We must balance the wishes and needs of all patients in the room. Visiting may be interrupted
to provide patient care, to protect the privacy rights of other patients or to maintain safety and
security decisions.
What about disruptive visitors?
The condition and care needs of all patients must be considered at all times. Visiting may be
interrupted or adjusted to protect the privacy rights of other patients or to maintain safety and
security decisions.
What about pet visiting?
A separate policy on pet visitation is currently being reviewed.