Forensic Mental Health Services at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center believe that visits are therapeutic and contribute to the well being of our clients. Visits allow family and friends to familiarize themselves with the programs we provide. The following information provides you with an explanation of our Visiting Policy.

• Visiting hours are from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

 
• All visits must be pre-arranged by phoning the Forensic Inpatient Unit at 684-6450.

 
• All visits are for an hour at a time (with the exception of the 8:00 - 8:30 p.m. time slot). Up to 3 visitors are allowed at a time.

 
• All visits are monitored by a video camera by security.

 
• Visitors will be expected to place jackets, bags and purses in a locker at the entrance of the unit before each visit.

 
• Children 16 years of age and under are not allowed to visit unless it has been approved by the Psychiatrist. They must be accompanied and supervised by an adult during the entire visit.

 
• Patients have the right to refuse visits. When this occurs, we respect the decision of the patient.

 
• At times, visits may interfere with the patient’s treatment. When this does occur, treatment must preclude visits.

 
• No visitor who is under the influence of alcohol, or is abusive and aggressive, or demonstrates inappropriate behaviours will be allowed to visit.

 
• No pets are allowed to visit.

 
• Furniture in the visitor’s room is not to be rearranged for security surveillance reasoning.

 
• Due to the length of the client’s stay and storage space, suitcases and/or boxes of personal effects brought in by visitors will not be accepted.

 
• All parcels and gifts that are brought for clients will be searched to ensure that safety and appropriateness is maintained. Sealed beverages (i.e. pop in plastic bottles) are allowed.

 
• The following articles should not be brought to the Health Sciences Centre – jewellery, other valuables, knives, cutlery, scissors, medicine, alcohol or any item that would be considered as a potential weapon, posing a threat to an individual, fellow patient or staff.