Horizon Health eliminates visiting hours for family at hospitals

A patient in hospital is shown in this file photo.

Family members are now less restricted when it comes to visiting loved ones at Horizon Health hospitals across New Brunswick.

Horizon Health introduced its new Family Presence Policy Monday, which means family members will be allowed to visit patients staying in Horizon Health hospitals whenever they want, essentially eliminating traditional visiting hours.

The Horizon Health Network is the first health authority in Atlantic Canada to make such a change, saying it’s an attempt to include families in the healing process.

Hospitals will still have quiet hours between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. daily. Family members can remain at a patient’s bedside during quiet hours, but cellphones and other electronic devices must be put on silent and not used inside patients’ rooms.

The policy does not extend to visitation at mental health units and addiction treatment centres.