N.L.’s Western Health puts an end to set visiting hours with family presence policy

The health authority's family presence policy is in effect throughout its institutions, from long term care centres to hospitals. The policy was developed with feedback from patients, residents and their families. It means and end to set visiting hours throughout the region. The policy doesn't mean visitors can come and go as they please. Instead, each patient's needs and wants will be assessed upon their admission. Literature on the topic shows increased family visits lead to fewer complaints. Visitors under the age of 14 will need adult supervision and people feeling unwell are asked to stay home. Staff will retain the ability to dictate times when patient procedures trump a family visit.