University of Alberta Hospital, Stollery Children’s Hospital emergency departments introduce new safety policies

EDMONTON – The University of Alberta Hospital (UAH) and Stollery Children’s Hospital are introducing new safety measures to support a safe, efficient environment for patients, staff and visitors in their emergency departments (ED).

All patients and visitors will be limited to one bag per person prior to entry into the ED. The UAH/Stollery Protective Services team will have processes in place to securely store additional bags, where required.

Reducing the number of bags in the ED helps minimize tripping hazards, ensures care spaces remain accessible, and supports staff and physicians in maintaining a safe care environment. Exceptions may be made for individuals requiring additional bags for medical equipment, essential supplies, childcare items, or in circumstances involving severe medical distress, as determined by the care team.

Additionally, patients seeking care at the UAH ED may be accompanied by one visitor or support person at a time. Limiting the number of support people helps reduce noise, supports patient privacy, and ensures space is available for those requiring care. Exceptions may be made in situations where additional support is required, including for patients in critical condition or experiencing severe medical distress, as determined by the care team.

Similar to all AHS sites, visitor restrictions will not apply in the Stollery ED. Pediatric patients will continue to be supported by having parents and siblings attend with them

Patients or caregivers who have questions about the one-bag or one-visitor-per-patient policy can contact Patient Relations online or at 1-855-550-2555. Other care options are also available, including Health Link, urgent care centres and family physicians.

Alberta Health Services provides acute care services for more than five million Albertans at hospitals, urgent care centres and health centres across the province. Our mission is to provide excellent, accessible, patient-focused healthcare for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving patient flow, and increasing access to surgeries.