In the hospital, general visiting hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Patients are allowed to receive four (4) visitors at a time. However, exceptions may be made at the discretion of the unit charge nurse who has the authority to determine the number of visitors and length of visitation, based on patient needs and other unit activities.
Because visiting hours or the number of visitors may be restricted depending on patient’s condition or type of patient care unit, visitors are encouraged to inquire about area-specific visitation standards.
All visitors must be free of any signs and symptoms, such as coughing, which might indicate a contagious disease.
All visitors are asked to clean their hands when entering a patient’s room.
Visitors should not sit or lie on patient’s beds, drink water from patient’s pitchers and glasses or use patient restrooms.
Visitors will not bring medications of any kind to patient unless requested to do so by a physician or a nurse. This physician will notify staff first.
Some patients are placed on specific diets which may restrict their food/fluid intake. Patients may also be undergoing tests and/or procedures which could be adversely affected by food and/or fluid. Therefore, it is most important that no food or drinks be brought to patient’s room. In certain cases, food and/or drink may be brought to the patient, but only after approval by the Charges Nurse and/or Physician.
Visitors may be asked to leave by nursing personnel if special procedures are to be performed or if a life-threatening situation occurs.
Visitors that obstruct the flow of traffic, cause damage to the environment of care, or whose behavior is disruptive to other patients or the performance of nursing duties could be asked to leave the area.
Nursing personnel is authorized to control visitation if the number of visitors becomes detrimental to the patient or unit.
Waiting areas are provided for family and friends of the hospitalized patient.
In specific cases, based upon the condition of the patient, arrangements may be made for one person to stay with the patient at night. Arrangements should be made with the Charge Nurse and/or Nursing Supervisor.
In case of hospitalized children, hospital policy states that a responsible adult will remain with any child, age twelve (12) or under, at all times. A guest tray will be provided free of charge for this adult.
After hours, visitors will be permitted based on patient need and/or request, at the discretion of the unit charge nurse.
Pastoral/Ministerial visits are not subject to general visiting rules. These calls are accepted as part of the visits during all normal waking hours for patients or at anytime when the patient’s condition is critical and life is at risk.
Emergency Room Visits
Patients are allowed to receive one (1) visitor at a time. However, exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Emergency Department staff who has the authority to determine the number of visitors and length of visitation, based on patient needs and other department activities.
Waiting areas are provided for visitors in these areas.
