Osler introduces mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for visitors and essential care partners

Effective October 18, 2021, William Osler Health System (Osler) will implement an updated Visitor and Essential Care Partner Policy that makes it mandatory for all visitors and essential care partners to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The new requirement represents Osler’s continued commitment to support the safety and well-being of all those who receive care, visit, or work at Osler and is consistent with its mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for staff, physicians, and volunteers. This policy change is also consistent with the Province’s direction to require proof of vaccination in order to access many non-essential businesses and settings effective September 22.

As of October 18, all visitors and essential care partners, 12 years old or older, will be required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 along with photo identification upon entering the hospital. Some medical exemptions apply. There are also clinical exemptions for those visitors who need to enter the hospital to support patients during an unpredictable and urgent circumstance, including end of life and unexpected labour and delivery of a baby.

“At Osler, we understand how important it is for patients to have family members by their side,” said Kiki Ferrari, Chief Operating Officer, William Osler Health System. “The communities served by Osler are now in the midst of a fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and it is more important than ever to take every step we can to further support the safety and well-being of those who receive care, visit, or work in Osler’s facilities. Osler’s updated Visitor and Essential Care Partner Policy requiring mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for visitors and essential care partners is an important part of this effort.”

Medical exemptions will be managed through an appeals process in coordination with Osler’s Patient Experience office during regular business hours. Clinical exemptions are also included in the policy and explained fully on Osler’s website and social media channels.

To ensure patients stay connected with their loved ones while in the hospital Osler has a centralized in-person visitation team available 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to schedule visitation appointments. This resource supports a patient and family connection, along with Osler’s virtual visitation program, that allows patients to video chat with their loved one while in the hospital.

Learn more about Osler’s updated Visitor and Essential Care Partner Policy including mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for visitors and essential care partners, virtual visitation and how to schedule an in-person visit.