Please remember:
- Do not visit if you have flu symptoms, fever or cough. For visitors, we may deny access based on your symptoms.
- Patients and visitors coming to the Heart Institute for an appointment or while visiting a patient may be required to wear a medical-grade mask when in the clinical areas.
- Wash your hands before and after visiting.
- Follow staff instructions at all times.
- Please be aware parking is limited due to repairs in the P1 parking garage. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and recommend allowing extra time to arrive at the Heart Institute. See Locations and directions.
Visiting hours at the Heart Institute are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. We ask visitors to respect these hours.
Latex balloons are not permitted in the Heart Institute because they can pose a danger to patients with latex allergies.
Guidelines for visitors
- A patient may have no more than two visitors at a time (we may allow exceptions in certain circumstances).
- An adult must accompany children under 12 at all times.
- Visitors must arrange their visit with the nursing staff in the Cardiac Surgical Critical Care Unit or the Intensive Cardiac Care Unit before visiting.
Visitor rights and responsibilities
As a visitor, I have the right to:
Respect and privacy
- Be treated with dignity, respect, and confidentiality.
- Have my loved one’s privacy protected, including the confidentiality of their personal health information.
Participate in care
- Receive clear, accurate, and timely information about my loved one’s care, with consent from the patient.
- Be involved in care decisions, if my loved one wishes.
- Ask questions and receive explanations in plain language.
- Speak up if I notice changes in my loved one’s condition or have concerns about care.
A safe environment
- Expect a safe and clean environment for patients, families, and visitors.
Support and comfort
- Access resources to support my loved one and myself, including social work, spiritual care, and patient relations.
- Request interpretation or translation services if needed to understand care instructions.
As a visitor, I have the responsibility to:
Respect others
- Harassment, racism, discrimination, and verbal or physical violence will not be tolerated.
- Treat staff, volunteers, patients, and fellow visitors with courtesy, dignity, and respect.
- Refrain from disruptive, aggressive, or inappropriate behaviour.
Follow hospital policies
- Adhere to general visiting hours (9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.).
- Limit visits to a maximum of two visitors per patient at any one time.
- Ensure children are always accompanied and supervised by an adult.
- Follow infection prevention and control practices. If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, fever, or cough, please refrain from visiting until you are symptom-free.
- The hospital is not responsible for lost or stolen personal belongings. Visitors are encouraged to leave valuables at home.
Protect privacy
- Video recording, photography, or audio recording of staff, volunteers, patients, or visitors without their consent is prohibited.
- Respect the confidentiality of other patients and hospital operations.
- Do not share patient information without consent.
Support patient safety and recovery
- Respect the privacy, personal space, and belongings of all patients, including those in shared rooms.
- Do not wear fragrances or use scented products while visiting the hospital.
- Be mindful of noise levels to promote a healing environment.
- Help maintain a safe, clean, and clutter-free environment.
If you have any questions or concerns about these rights and responsibilities, please call Patient Relations at 613-696-7000 ext. 19305 or by email at @email
If you are a patient, please see our patient rights and responsibilities.