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Visiting a Patient
This section will give you information about the visiting hours and guidelines in place at SickKids.
Family presence and patient visiting policy
Please note that Family Presence and Patient Visiting for family caregivers, siblings and visitors has returned to the pre-pandemic policy, and depends on the area of SickKids you are visiting or staying:
- Inpatient Units: Up to 4 family caregivers/siblings/visitors are welcome at a time at the bedside during regular visiting hours (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and 1 overnight (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.).
- CCCU/PICU/NICU: Up to 2 family caregivers are welcome at a time at the bedside and 2 overnight.
- Emergency Department (ED): Up to 2 family caregivers are welcome at a time at the bedside.
- Outpatient clinics: Up to 2 family caregivers are welcome to accompany their child to clinic appointments and tests.
Note: Identification badges/stickers will be worn by all family caregivers, siblings and visitors. Everyone 12 and over must self-screen for viral symptoms before entering. Children under 12 will be actively screened. Families visiting outpatient clinics and the Emergency Department with siblings are strongly encouraged to make use of Family Spaces due to space constraints.
General guidelines
Please review our COVID-19 Information Hub for the latest updates to visitor restrictions. Below is our typical approach to visiting at SickKids.
Parents and caregivers are not considered visitors. You are welcome to be with your child at any time of the day or night.
Visiting hours for others are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors need to check in with the unit clerk before going to a patient’s room. Please check with your unit about visiting guidelines, including age requirements for visitors and the number of visitors allowed at a time.
Can I visit if I am sick?
Do not visit the hospital if you are sick or have been sick in the last week.
Family members and children over 12 years of age should check themselves for the following symptoms before they come to SickKids:
- fever
- new or unexplained cough
- unexplained shortness of breath
- diarrhea or vomiting
- runny nose/sneezing
- rash
Visitors 12 years of age and younger will be checked to make sure they are healthy before being allowed to visit patients.
Is there anything I should not bring to SickKids?
Yes, please do not bring the following because they may be unsafe for our patients:
- latex balloons
- small toys that can be swallowed
- toys that make sparks
- food with nuts
- fresh flowers or plants
Can I take photos or videos?
Please do not take photographs or videos of other patients or their families and please ask permission before taking a photo or video of a staff member.
Do not post photos/videos of staff, other patients or their families on the Internet without consent.
Are assistance dogs allowed in the hospital?
Assistance dogs for people with disabilities are allowed at SickKids. Please make sure they are clean and have up-to-date immunizations.
No smoking on our property
Smoking is not allowed anywhere on SickKids property, including: 1) the outdoor areas around the Elizabeth Street, Gerrard Street and University Avenue entrances; 2) the driveways, steps, paths, gardens, seating areas and front lawn leading to the city-owned sidewalks; 3) the parking garage; and 4) on city property within a 9-metre radius (approximately 30 feet) of any hospital doorway.
No fragrances
To reduce the potential for adverse health effects related to the use of fragrances, please do not wear, use or apply fragrances while at SickKids.
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