Family Presence

At Nova Scotia Health facilities the patient can name up to two people who will be their Essential Care Partner (ECP). ECPs are identified by the patient (or substitute decision maker) and can include family members, close friends or other caregivers. The patient also defines how these people will be involved in care and decision-making. ECPs are welcome 24 hours a day — according to patient preference — as full partners in care. The person(s) chosen as the ECP may change over time as specified by the patient. 

Please talk your health care team about ECP 

Role of Essential Care Partners (ECP) 

We encourage ECPs to share questions or concerns with the health care team about the patient’s daily needs, care goals and readiness to be sent home from hospital.

We ask ECPs to designate a spokesperson as the primary point of contact among family members and hospital staff.

The ECP is welcome to spend the night with the patient where there is enough space. The ECP must be able to safely stay alone and care for themselves. The ECP support person is responsible for their own food, personal care items and tidying their sleeping area.

The ECP must be sensitive to the needs of other patients and families and keep noise and disturbances to a minimum. 

Limitations

We may interrupt Family Presence to provide appropriate patient care and/or to protect the privacy rights of other patients. We will make decisions case by case.

If an ECP’s behaviour becomes disruptive or unsafe to families, staff or other visitors – or interferes with patient care – we may ask that person to leave.

The ECP should NOT be present if they are feeling unwell, have an infection or any of the following symptoms: cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

iPads are available for patients to use during virtual visits to connect with families and other members of their circle of care. Please speak with a member of your health care team to access this complimentary service.

The ECP and visitors must clean their hands upon entering and leaving the patient room.

For more information, please see Nova Scotia Health’s Family Presence Policy.