Visitor information
A range of services available to visitors at our hospital campuses or long-term care sites. These include caregiver and food services, parking, Wi-Fi as well as wayfinding, travel and accommodation information.
Staying connected with loved ones is important for everyone’s wellbeing. It’s why we offer a number of visitor support services and resources.
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.
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
Visitor support
Information desks
At the main entrance of our larger hospitals, information desks that are staffed by volunteers offer assistance to patients and visitors. By providing directions, escorting individuals to appointments or departments and being friendly, these dedicated volunteers reduce stress and ensure easy navigation throughout the hospital.
Public Wi-Fi
Most VCH hospitals—including Vancouver General Hospital, Richmond Hospital and Lions Gate Hospital—provide free Wi-Fi for patients and visitors. Inquire at the site you are visiting, if you have trouble accessing the service.
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Accessibility
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is committed to removing and preventing barriers…
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Parking at VCH sites
Get more information about parking at our hospitals, and learn how we are reduc…
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American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are available for deaf, deaf-blind an…
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Ethics Services
Our role is to support you in identifying, analyzing, and resolving ethical iss…
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Gift Shops
Gift shops are available at many of our locations for those who want to support…
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Retail Food Services
Our food services provide a diverse selection of fresh, healthy, and delicious …
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Sacred Spaces and Gathering Places
We recognize the importance for many Indigenous people to gather around loved o…
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Spiritual Health and Multi-Faith Services
Giving you comfort and support, spiritual care practitioners can help address t…
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Well Wishes Program
Words of encouragement or well wishes are important in keeping spirits up. A nu…
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Financial services and support
Every patient is cared for with kindness, compassion and respect. If you need a…
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.