• To keep everyone safe, avoid overcrowding and allow for physical distancing, one visitor per patient may be permitted depending on the environmental constraints and current volumes in the ED. 
• Outpatients are permitted one support person per patient as an escort to an appointment or procedure.

Southlake’s Emergency Department (ED) remains open 24/7. If you feel you need emergency care, it is safe to visit Southlake’s ED. 

Southlake’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre is separate from the ED, with the intention of keeping the ED focused on patients who need emergency care. 

Southlake is seeing high levels of patients. To keep everyone safe, avoid overcrowding and allow for physical distancing, one visitor per patient will be permitted, depending on the current volumes in the department and with the discretion of staff.

Yes. Everyone in the hospital is required to wear a medical mask.

Please place the package in a plastic bag and clearly label with the patient’s name and room number. The packages can be dropped off with the screeners at the East Main Entrance.  We have staff who are pleased to take your care package and deliver to your loved one.

Effective August 2022 visitors no longer need to schedule your visit in advance. Visitors may visit patients in hospital one at a time. After self-screening at the entrance, please take a mask if you need one and proceed to the unit and check in at the nursing station before visiting your loved one. Masks are required at all times including at the patient’s bedside.

TV rentals are provided by Health Hub. For information on renting a TV during your stay, click here or turn on the TV once in your patient room and follow the directions.

If you require information on rental fees, please call 1-866-223-3686.

If you are expecting to give birth at Southlake during the pandemic, or have a child in the hospital, please click here to visit our Families & Babies page for more specific information regarding Designated Care Partners.

We are continuing to post vacancies at www.southlake.ca and recruitment will continue for essential positions. Interviews during this time will be scheduled via Skype. Thank you for your patience and ongoing interest in becoming part of the Southlake team.

If you are expecting to give birth at Southlake during the pandemic, or have a child in the hospital, please click here to visit our Families & Babies page for more specific information regarding Designated Care Partners.

We have launched a PPE drive. Please visit  www.southlake.ca/foundation/southlake-ppe-drive for more information.

Yes. Southlake remains a safe place to receive and provide care. 

Age for visiting is restricted to 16 years of age and over; however, the ability of the visitor to follow infection control practices may be assessed to ensure that appropriate supervision is available to adhere to any requirements.

Patients will have received notification if their scheduled appointment was cancelled. If you are scheduled for an appointment please be prepared to answer the screening questions at the east main entrance.   

If you answer yes to any of these questions we will ask you not to enter the building. 

Please be kind to our screeners at the entrances. They are doing everything they can to keep our vulnerable patients and staff safe during this time.

Visiting is restricted to scheduled times. You must schedule your visit in advance with the care team. The scheduled visit times limit the number of people in the building at any one time in order to facilitate physical distancing of 2 metres.

All patients will be screened before entering the hospital.

To ensure the most efficient screening process, Southlake has currently restricted access to the main campus.

Main Hospital
Enter through the East main entrance (#1 on the map below) or the Level 2 Bridge in the West Parking Garage (#2 on the map below)

Medical Arts Building (MAB)
Enter through the North entrance – parking lot side (#3 on the map below) or through the Bridge (#4 on the map below)

Cancer Centre
Enter through the ground level lobby entrance (#5 on the map below)

This does not apply to patients going to the Emergency Department (ED). Patients who are going to the ED should continue to use the main ED entrance (#6 on the map above).

Designated Care Providers (DCPs) provide support to specific patients and are designated by the patient/substitute decision maker/POA. DCPs provide support to patients with significant developmental, intellectual or functional disabilities such as cognitive impairment or communication barriers. They may provide direct care to the patients such as feeding, mobility, hygiene, cognitive stimulation, communication and meaningful connection or may assist with decision making. 

• DCPs must be fully vaccinated and be at least 18 years of age.     
• DCPs and hours of visitation must be approved by the Manager or designate of the unit. DCPs do not have to call the inpatient booking line in order to book their visit.  
• DCPs must follow Southlake visitor guidelines.  
• DCP access will be determined based on compassionate circumstances surrounding the individual patient. 

Please clean your hands often, avoid touching your face, practice physical distancing by minimizing contact with others outside of your home, and self-monitor for any symptoms, particularly fever, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath and/or sore throat. If you have symptoms please get tested.

You can reach York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653. 

If you’re having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911. 

If you would like to arrange a virtual visit with your loved one please email the patient’s name and your contact information to VirtualVisit@southlake.ca.

Fully-vaccinated visitors will be able to visit patients one at a time between the hours of 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Who cannot visit?

• Anyone who has COVID-19
• Anyone exhibiting the following signs or symptoms:
  • Fever, cough, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Anyone who is known or suspected COVID-19 positive and has not been cleared by Public Heath.
• Anyone who is a contact of a known COVID-19 positive individual.
• Those who are feeling unwell.

Limited exceptions will apply for those with approved medical exemptions and visitors of specific patient populations including; end of life, children under 18 and child birth.