Sending Flowers and Balloons

Flowers can bring a much-needed ray of sunshine to the bedside, so much so that it has been proven that flowers help patients recover faster.  Unfortunately, there are some flowers that have a strong scent or produce so much pollen that they can have a negative effect on the health of patients, volunteers and staff alike.

In keeping with our guidelines, we regret that Lilies and Poinsettias are not permitted in the hospital.  Unfortunately, the list of good and bad flower choices has become complicated by all sorts of pollen-free varieties.  We recommend asking your florist for allergy-friendly choices.

Florists are increasingly creative, introducing other material into bouquets such as silk, origami, non-flowering plants, branches, shells, beads, bark and feathers.  You may also wish to consider an attractive cheerful alternative to flowers.

Scents and Fragrances

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare is a scent-free environment.  Please be kind to all of our patients by not wearing scented personal products (perfume, cologne, lotion, hairspray, etc.) and by avoiding heavily-scented flowers.  Please use personal products that are scent- and fragrance-free on the day of your visit.

Medical evidence shows that scented products can be harmful to the health of individuals who have allergies, sensitivities, migraines, heart or breathing problems and environmental illness.  Exposure to fragrances, even pleasant ones, can cause severe breathing difficulties resulting in the need for urgent medical attention.  In addition, when coping with some medical conditions or treatment, nausea can worsen with exposure to fragrances.  Even if the patient you are visiting can tolerate fragrances, scents can linger in the elevators and hallways for a long time.  Our goal is to create and maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare. 

Balloons

We are also latex free because of allergies.  If you bring balloons, please make sure they are made of Mylar.  If you are in hospital and have a latex allergy, please advise a member of your care team.  We thank you for your co-operation.