Some changes are expected when it comes to family and friends visiting patients at the North Bay Regional Health Centre.

Communications Specialist Lindsay Smylie-Smith says right now the visiting hours vary from department to department, but they have plans to evaluate their own policy, which would include looking at a 24-hour policy later this year.

She says the hospital is in support of The Canadian Foundation for Health Care Improvement’s Better Together campaign which proposes, among other things, a 24/7 visiting hour policy.

A 2015 study found less than 1 in 3 hospitals in Canada had an accommodating visiting policy and even less provided 24/7 access.

Smylie-Smith says patients families would be contacted for input before any new policy is announced.

The Senior Director of the Canadian Foundation for Health Care Improvement says hospitals across the country are reviewing or adopting family presence policies.

Officials say research indicates family presence improves patient outcomes, there are fewer medication errors and better informed medical assessments.