Staying connected with loved ones is important for everyone’s wellbeing. It’s why we offer a number of visitor support services and resources.

Multi-generation family visiting a hospital

Patient safety

Patients and clients’ needs come first


If you feel unwell—have a cold or flu (even a cold sore) —or have been near someone who is ill, please do not visit a loved one or friend in hospital or at a care site.  

Visitors should wash their hands before and after seeing patients and clients or use alcohol-based liquid hand sanitizers that are readily available at our sites.  

From time to time, additional infection control measures (such as masking) may be in place in particular care settings, which visitors are asked to follow. 

Learn more about patient safety

Visiting hours

Visiting hours may vary depending on the hospital and from one unit or care site to another. Some patients may also have limits on visitation to support their care. Before you visit, call the main phone number of the location and ask to speak to the unit or program that’s caring for your relative or friend about visiting times.  

ƛ̓uxválásu̓ilas Heiltsuk Hospital (Bella Bella): 250-957-2314

Bella Coola General Hospital: 250-799-5311

G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre: 604-734-1313

Lions Gate Hospital: 604-988-3131

qathet General Hospital: 604-485-3211

Richmond Hospital: 604-278-9711

Squamish General Hospital: 604-892-5211

Sechelt Hospital: 604-885-2224

UBC Hospital: 604-822-7121

Vancouver General Hospital: 604-875-4111

Travel and accommodation assistance

If you are helping a family member or friend settle into one of our care sites, you may need short-term accommodation yourself or travel assistance. Resources and support programs are described on the Travel and accommodation assistance page. 

More information for patients and visitors

Accessibility services

Health care needs to be accessible to all. Here are programs we offer and partners we work with in the community to provide better access to health care services.

Patient safety

Whether you're a patient, visitor, health-care provider or support staff, we each play important roles in keeping our health-care facilities safe for patients and staff.