Updated on October 26, 2022
Keeping Staff and Patients Safe
These are extraordinary times and CAMH is committed to transparency and communication with the community that we serve. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, CAMH will update the public when there are changes to report and the actions that we’re taking to keep staff and patients safe.
Like all hospitals, CAMH has extensive and detailed procedures in place for infection prevention and control. These are designed to ensure the health and safety of our staff, the community and those within our care.
CAMH works closely with Toronto Public Health on reporting, surveillance and infection control policies and procedures. Our staff continually monitors and follows the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) recommendations from Public Health as they are updated, including screening, testing and use of personal protective equipment. Guidelines for Health Professionals and Institutions are published and updated regularly here.
Changes to CAMH Visitor Information, Effective October 26, 2022
Visitors are welcome at CAMH.
To keep you, our patients, and our staff safe, and to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, all visitors must:
- Enter through a public entrance.
- Review the self-screening questions posted at building entrances.
- Keep your mask on at all times when you are inside a CAMH building.
- 416-535-8501 (calling from the GTA)
- 1-800-463-2338 (Toll-free)
- All visits may be restricted in response to increase in general risk of COVID-19 transmission.
If you are planning to visit CAMH and you feel unwell, please delay visiting until you have recovered. Visitors and essential care partners do not need to provide proof of being vaccinated against COVID-19, however we strongly encourage you to protect yourself and your loved ones against COVID-19 by getting vaccinated with as many vaccine doses and boosters as you are eligible for.
Visiting patients indoors and outdoors at CAMH
We welcome and encourage families and friends to visit patients at CAMH to support their loved ones’ care and recovery.
Please contact your loved one’s care team if you would like to arrange a visit.
Patients can have visitors after they are admitted, with their care team’s approval. If a patient is potentially infected with COVID-19 or another highly transmissible disease, the patient’s care team will help facilitate virtual visits until the patient is no longer contagious. During outdoor visits, patients and visitors should wear a mask if they cannot remain 2 metres apart.
Visiting Information and Hours
Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
All visits are facilitated in collaboration with the treatment team, clients/patients and their families. The treatment team will determine the number of Visitors that can be accommodated on the inpatient unit while still permitting appropriate physical distancing (2 metres). Given limitations on the number of Visitors a unit can accommodate, it may not be possible for each client/patient to have visits at a particular time.
Lawyers, the psychiatric client/patient advocate and clergy are encouraged to notify the inpatient unit in advance of an anticipated visit so that appropriate arrangements can be made for the visit.
For information about how to contact specific CAMH units or care teams, please call the CAMH switchboard:
If you have questions about our visitor or other policies, you can call the Family Information and Support Centre telephone line. The telephone line is an information and support resource for CAMH families. It includes a recorded message on CAMH policies and where to find more information on a variety of topics. You can also leave a voicemail message with inquiries about services and supports. Please dial 416-535-8501 ext. 33472.
Visitors who wish to appeal a decision to deny or restrict visits may do so by contacting CAMH’s Client Relations Office at 416 535-8501 ext. 32028 or at client.relations@camh.ca.
Deliveries
Package delivery is permitted for CAMH patients. Whenever possible, deliveries should be coordinated with the patient’s clinical team in advance. Third-party food deliveries are also permitted (e.g., via UberEats or restaurant delivery services). For this and other family-related information, please contact the Family Information & Support Centre.
Families
The Family Information and Support Centre telephone line is an information and support resource for CAMH families. It includes a recorded message on CAMH policies and where to find more information on a variety of topics. Callers can also leave a voicemail message with inquiries about services and supports. Please dial 416-535-8501 ext. 33472.
The Family Resource Centre is currently closed to all walk-ins. Staff continue to respond to call and emails. Patients and families, staff and the public can continue to connect with the Centre at familyengagement@camh.ca or 416-535-8501 ext. 33202.
Volunteers
Due to COVID 19 all-volunteer programs are temporarily suspended. We are not accepting and/or processing new volunteer applications until volunteer operations resume. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Please continue to check this page or the @CAMHnews Twitter account for updates for patients and families of CAMH.