SickKids updating Family Presence and Patient Visiting Policy

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is returning to the pre-pandemic Family Presence and Patient Visiting Policy and lifting pandemic-related capacity limits in Family Spaces starting Wednesday, May 10. Following our child and family-centred approach to care, these changes will allow more family members and loved ones to be together with patients at the hospital. 

Like other hospitals, SickKids is in a position to update our policy due to the reduced spread of COVID-19 and other viral illnesses in the community. The following changes are in line with pre-pandemic guidelines and can differ depending on the area within the hospital: 

• Inpatient Units: Up to four family caregivers/siblings/visitors are welcome at a time at the bedside during regular visiting hours (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and one family caregiver overnight (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.). 
• Critical Care: Up to two family caregivers/siblings/visitors are welcome at a time at the bedside and two overnight. 
• Emergency Department: Up to two family caregivers are welcome at a time at the bedside.  
• Outpatient clinics: Up to two family caregivers are welcome to accompany their child to clinic appointments and tests.  

For safety and security reasons, identification badges must be worn by all family caregivers, siblings and visitors. All children under 12 will also go through active screening for viral illness-related symptoms at each visit. 

Family spaces, including Marnie’s Lounge, Marnie’s Studio, WAV PlayPark, Family Centre, and Samsung Space will return to pre-pandemic capacity levels with appropriate screening and masking. 

We recognize the immense challenges patients and families have faced throughout the pandemic, and sincerely appreciate everyone’s cooperation and partnership in helping to stop the spread of infection and keep everyone at SickKids safe.