Relaxed Visiting Hours at RMH encourage Family Participation in Patient Care

When we are sick or hurt, we want our loved ones close by. They make us feel better.

When we’re in the hospital, our loved ones are not considered ‘visitors’. They help us to sit up, to eat, to get to the washroom, and to pass the time. They also help share and receive information with doctors and hospital staff. They are important members of the care team.

Ross Memorial Hospital is relaxing its visiting hours policy to encourage the involvement of family members and close friends in the care of our inpatients. The hospital is suggesting an open visiting policy that would welcome family and friends between 8:00a.m. and 10:00p.m. In addition, if the patient requests, a loved one can visit overnight.

To ensure the needs of our patients, their loved ones, and the healthcare team are considered, the hospital is asking for your feedback.

Do you agree with this change in the visiting hours policy?

“Our patients and their families are at the heart of the healthcare team,” said Jodi Dunn, Director of Continuing Care and Healthfirst at RMH. “As much as possible, we want to accommodate our patients’ wishes when it comes to their loved ones’ presence. Of course, we also have to respect the privacy of patients in rooms with more than one bed. We’ve received feedback from the hospital team, and with input from people in the community, I know we can create new guidelines that work for the patients and everyone involved in their hospital stay.”

If you have thoughts about this topic, please share them with the hospital by emailing publicrelations@rmh.org, or call 705-328-6246. You can also mail your feedback to:

Ross Memorial Hospital—Public Relations
10 Angeline Street North
Lindsay, ON K9V 4M8