Print 
Share 
Text 
To reset, hold the Ctrl key, then press 0.
toh
Visiting the Hospital
Information for patients and visitors to The Ottawa Hospital
COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses continue to circulate in our community. Please ensure you continue to follow public health recommendations to help keep you, your loved ones and our community safe.
If you are having a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.
Masking
Masks are optional throughout the hospital, but required:
- If you are patient coming for an appointment, and you are symptomatic or instructed to wear a mask as a result of screening.
- In patient rooms, as needed based on individual patient precautions.
- On units where there is an outbreak of a respiratory illness.
You are also welcome to wear a mask throughout your time at the hospital, if that is what you prefer.
Visiting the hospital
The Ottawa Hospital is currently allowing visitors, in accordance with our Visitors and Family Presence policy.
There are no defined visiting hours as part of this policy, and loved ones are welcome to visit patients at The Ottawa Hospital at times that work best for patients in collaboration with care teams.
Masks are optional throughout the hospital, but required:
- If you are patient coming for an appointment, and you are symptomatic or instructed to wear a mask as a result of screening.
- In patient rooms, as needed based on individual patient precautions.
- On units where there is an outbreak of a respiratory illness.
You are also welcome to wear a mask throughout your time at the hospital, if that is what you prefer.
Essential Care Partners and social visitors are not the same. An Essential Care Partner is a support person whose presence is considered essential to the safety and wellbeing of a patient while they are in the hospital.
Learn more about The Ottawa Hospital’s Essential Care Partner Program
While a unit is experiencing an outbreak, there may be increased precautions on that unit to ensure the safety of patients, staff and Essential Care Partners. Before visiting a unit experiencing an outbreak at The Ottawa Hospital, visitors are advised to consult with unit staff.
Yes, provided the patient has consented to visitors.
If you would like to bring a child to visit someone in the hospital, please talk to the patient and their care team in advance.
How to access the hospital
Please see our Directions and Maps before your visit to The Ottawa Hospital.
Information for your visit
Wash Your Hands
When you arrive at any of our three campuses (Civic, General and Riverside), you will see hand-wash stations set up at each of our entrances. Please stop and wash your hands before entering the hospital.
Balloons (Mylar only)
A latex allergy is an adverse reaction to products made from latex or natural rubber. We make every effort to provide a latex safe environment for patients, visitors, employees and volunteers. Only mylar balloons are allowed within the hospital.
Scent-free
Wherever possible, we have eliminated the use of products with scents or other properties that are known to cause health problems for patients, visitors, employees and volunteers. Please do not wear/use perfume, after-shave or other scented personal products in the hospital or when visiting a patient.
Violence in the Hospital
The Ottawa Hospital will not tolerate violent acts or threats directed at any employee, physician, patient or volunteer. Security Services will be notified and take the appropriate action.
Questions about the care you or your family member is receiving? Contact
Last updated on: April 15th, 2024