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Visiting hospitals and clinics

Learn about what to expect when you visit the hospital, clinics or other VCH healthcare facilities.

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Visiting hospitals and clinics

Family and visitors can be a great help in recovery. If you're visiting a loved one, please check visiting hours and details with the unit before visiting for everyone's safety and comfort.    

Find a VCH location

Frequently asked questions

  • I have a friend/relative in hospital, who do I contact to learn about visiting hours?

    For all VCH hospitals and clinics. hours of operation are listed on their individual location page as it varies across each location. For other general inquiries, please check in with the location via phone call before visiting to determine the best time for your visit and what you should do when you arrive.

  • Who should I contact for my VGH inquiry if I'm not sure which department I belong to?

    Connect with our VGH Hospital resource centre - CIBC Centre for Patients & Families at Vancouver General Hospital either through phone call or email to access their service.

    Phone number: (604) 875-5887 
    Email: centreforpatients@vch.ca 

  • How can I send well wishes and gifts to friends and family in the hospital?

    Well Wishes is a free service that allows you to stay in touch with friends and family staying at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), UBC Hospital, Lions Gate Hospital, Richmond Hospital and GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre. Visit our send well wishes page to get started.

    Gift shops are available at many of our locations for those who would like to support a patient with a gift.

    • Lions Gate Hospital gift shop: 604-988-3131 ext. 3733
    • Powell River General Hospital gift shop: 604-485-3211 ext. 4347
    • Sechelt Hospital gift shop: 604-885-2224 ext. 4273
    • Squamish General Hospital gift shop: 604-892-5211 ext. 3372
    • Vancouver General Hospital gift shop: 604-875-5895

  • What are the COVID-19 regulations at VCH facilities? Do I need to wear a mask?

    We no longer require visitors to show proof of vaccination before entering long-term, acute, or other healthcare facilities. Also, visitors are not required to wear masks unless specifically needed to protect high-risk patients against respiratory transmitted infections.

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Stay home if you aren't feeling well

We want to give our patients and clients every chance to get well. Do not visit the hospital if you are feeling unwell, if you have a cold or the flu, or have been near someone else who is sick. It is also important to wash your hands or use available alcohol-based liquid/foam hand sanitizers before and after visiting a loved one in the hospital or clinic.

More about hospital care

Staying at the hospital

If you're a patient at one of our health care facilities, you'll likely have questions about what to expect. Find out the steps we take to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Patient and caregiver services

Find out more about the services we provide to support your health care needs and navigate the health-care system.

We are constantly looking for ways to improve this web page, if you have any suggestions or feedback please include them below. Thank you!