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Visiting hospitals and clinics

Learn about what to expect when you visit the hospital, clinics or other VCH healthcare facilities.

Medical mask policy in effect during respiratory illness season

Masks are currently required in all patient care areas of hospitals, long-term care facilities and community health-care sites and clinics. Please do not enter these facilities if you have cold or flu-like symptoms, such as runny nose, sore throat, fever, cough, shortness of breath/trouble breathing, diarrhea or vomiting. Do not enter these facilities if you feel unwell, no matter how mild the symptoms. 

Visitors to long-term care and seniors’ assisting living facilities need to wear a medical mask in common areas and when participating in indoor events in common areas. 

Thank you for helping keep patients and staff healthy this season.

Hospital visiting hours

Family and visitors can be a great help in recovery. Visiting hours may vary depending on the unit. Contact general information in each hospital to determine visiting times before your visit.

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Stay home if you aren't feeling well

We want to give our patients and clients every chance to get well. Do not visit the hospital if you are feeling unwell, if you have a cold or the flu, or have been near someone else who is sick. It is also important to wash your hands or use available alcohol-based liquid/foam hand sanitizers before and after visiting a loved one in the hospital or clinic.

Frequently asked questions

  • I have a friend/relative in hospital, who do I contact to learn about visiting hours?

    For all VCH hospitals and clinics. hours of operation are listed on their individual location page as it varies across each location. For other general inquiries, please check in with the location via phone call before visiting to determine the best time for your visit and what you should do when you arrive.

  • Who should I contact for my VGH inquiry if I'm not sure which department I belong to?

    Connect with our VGH Hospital resource centre - CIBC Centre for Patients & Families at Vancouver General Hospital either through phone call or email to access their service.

    Phone number: (604) 875-5887 
    Email: centreforpatients@vch.ca 

  • What are the COVID-19 regulations at VCH facilities? Do I need to wear a mask?

    A temporary Provincial Mask Policy is in effect in VCH health-care facilities, including acute care and VCH community-based health-care services. Medical masks are available at these VCH sites.

    Under the new policy, medical masks must be worn by all staff, volunteers, contractors and visitors in patient-care areas, including their associated waiting rooms. The policy does not apply to patients, and there are also exceptions for young children and for people with exemptions.

    We no longer require visitors to show proof of vaccination before entering long-term, acute, or other health care facilities.

     

More about hospital care

Staying at the hospital

If you're a patient at one of our health care facilities, you'll likely have questions about what to expect. Find out the steps we take to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Patient and caregiver services

Find out more about the services we provide to support your health care needs and navigate the health-care system.