During flu season, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, for the safety of our patients HSN asks that you please do not visit until your symptoms subside:

• Fever, chills 
• Cough, sore throat 
• Shortness of breath 
• Nausea, vomiting 
• Diarrhea

If you feel well and are visiting HSN, always remember to wash your hands upon entering the hospital, and before you enter and leave a patients room.  Other precautions, such as wearing a mask will also prevent the spread of germs and viruses.
 

To protect yourself from the flu, get the flu shot and always practice good hand hygiene. Learn more about the flu and how to protect yourself and loved ones.

To protect the health and well-being of our patients, visitors and staff, Health Sciences North kindly requests that you do not wear or use any scented products while on hospital property.

Scented products linger long after an individual leaves an area. This can cause allergic reactions and respiratory distress for patients, visitors and staff.

Your co-operation in assisting the hospital to promote a fragrance-free environment is appreciated.

Thank you, 

Health Sciences North Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee

As a health care facility, Health Sciences North (HSN) has an important role to play in promoting health and wellness in our community. We value a healthy and safe environment for our patients, visitors and all who work at HSN. Smoking on our grounds is prohibited. This is in accordance with Health Sciences North Corporate Smoke-Free Policy, the City of Greater Sudbury Bylaw #2002-300 and the Smoke Free Ontario Act 2016.

Any individual found smoking, including e-cigarettes, on hospital property (includes all hospital buildings, exterior grounds, parking lots, as well as inside cars) will be reminded of HSN's smoking policy and will be asked to extinguish their product immediately. Greater Sudbury by-law officers could also fine any person found in contravention of the Smoke Free Ontario Act as part of their ongoing enforcement of the Act. Fines can be up to $1000 for a first offence.

Smoking is the number one preventable health risk factor in Canada. Hospitalization or an illness presents an opportunity to initiate tobacco cessation and our smoke-free hospital policy encourages temporary tobacco abstinence for patients. 

Patients are encouraged to speak with staff about Nicotine Replacement Therapy during their hospital stay. If you have additional questions or concerns about how a smoke-free HSN may impact your hospital stay, please contact our Patient Relations Office at 705-523-7100 extension 3737.

Community resources:

• Smoker’s Helpline
  Free, personalized advice, counseling and a quit plan that suits you. Telephone, online and text options available.
  Call 1-877-513-5333 or go to Smoker's Helpline website
• Public Health Sudbury & Districts
  Tobacco Treatment Clinic, free individual cessation counseling Call 705-522-3433 or 1-866-522-3433 or go to Public Health Sudbury & Districts
• Pharmacists
  Community pharmacists are also part of the integrated healthcare team available to provide support for quitting smoking. Ask your pharmacist about your smoking cessation needs.

Please be advised cell phones and other wireless devices are restricted in all patient care areas of the hospital.

Please limit the use of these devices to entrances, lobbies, and cafeterias.

Please note that Health Sciences North does not take responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged belongings or assistive devices. It is recognized that patients and visitors will have personal items, such as clothing, medications, and personal support aids, with them (e.g. eyeglasses, dentures, mobility aids, assistive devices etc.) however, the hospital will not assume responsibility for these items if they are damaged or go missing. Patients or visitors choosing to bring these items to the hospital do so at their own risk.