Jordan Ellis
Hospitals recognize that having visitors is crucial to a patient's health and well-being. While most wards have regular visiting hours, there are exceptions, such as when a patient is in the last days of their life. Hospitals generally welcome visitors, but there may be restrictions and limitations in place, especially during community outbreaks or surges in patient volume. Visitors are expected to follow guidelines to ensure the safety and comfort of patients and staff, such as wearing masks, avoiding smoking, and refraining from using fragrances. In most cases, visitors do not need to be family members, but there may be specific rules for certain units or circumstances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of visitors allowed | 2-4 visitors are allowed at a time depending on the hospital and unit. |
| Age restrictions | Visitors must be 5 years or older. Some hospitals allow visitors under 18 if accompanied by an adult. |
| Mask mandate | Visitors are encouraged to wear masks, especially if they have symptoms of respiratory illness. |
| Smoking restrictions | Smoking is prohibited in and around hospital premises. |
| Virtual visits | Virtual visits are encouraged for patients diagnosed with infectious diseases. |
| Overnight stays | Overnight stays are allowed in some hospitals with prior permission. |
| Food restrictions | Visitors are advised to check with the ward staff before bringing in outside food. |
| Photography restrictions | Visitors are not allowed to take photos of staff or other patients. |
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What You'll Learn
Number of visitors allowed
The number of visitors allowed to see a patient in the hospital varies across different hospitals and units. Generally, hospitals welcome visitors as they recognize the positive impact that visits can have on patients' health. However, the number of visitors permitted may be restricted to ensure the comfort and safety of patients and to allow them adequate rest and recovery time.
For example, at SickKids, the number of visitors allowed depends on the area being visited. Inpatient Units allow up to four family caregivers, siblings, or visitors at a time during regular visiting hours (9 am to 9 pm) and one overnight (9 pm to 6 am). In contrast, the CCCU/PICU/NICU and Emergency Department (ED) allow up to two family caregivers at a time. Outpatient clinics permit up to two family caregivers to accompany their child to appointments and tests.
At Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH), two visitors are generally allowed to accompany patients before and after surgery and to medical appointments. However, in areas like outpatient labs, imaging, or therapy services, visitors may not be permitted due to space limitations. The Children's Health Center/Pediatrics permits up to two parents or guardian visitors per patient.
At HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital, there is no limit on the number of visitors for adult and pediatric patients, but this is subject to the caregiver's ability to provide safe and high-quality care. Visitors under 18 may be permitted under specific circumstances and must be accompanied by an adult.
At Kettering General Hospital NHS, while most wards have regular visiting hours, exceptions are made for patients in the last days of life, allowing loved ones to stay as long as needed. The hospital also supports John's Campaign, promoting a safe and open visiting culture and enabling family members and carers to be present during stressful or anxious times for the patient.
At Emanuel Medical Center, two visitors are allowed per patient, with visits of 10 to 20 minutes considered ideal. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, and visitors exhibiting signs of illness are advised not to visit.
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Age restrictions for visitors
Age restrictions for hospital visitors vary across different hospitals. For example, Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) requires visitors to be five years of age or older, except during the respiratory illness season when restrictions may be instated. On the other hand, Johns Hopkins Medicine requires children under 16 to be accompanied by an adult other than the patient. Similarly, UMass Memorial Health generally allows children under the age of 18 when accompanied by an adult, but children under 14 who wish to visit a patient in the ICU require prior approval from the Nurse Manager.
Holy Family Hospital, Providence, and SickKids hospital do not mention any age restrictions for visitors. However, it is important to note that each hospital has its own specific policies and regulations, and these may change over time. For instance, UNC Hospitals, UNC Health Rex, and UNC Health Chatham lifted their temporary age-based visitor restrictions for some areas in their inpatient hospitals in March 2024, allowing visitors aged 11 and younger to access inpatient areas and waiting rooms.
In general, it is recommended to check with the hospital's clinical team or visit their website to stay updated on their visitor policies and any changes that may have been implemented.
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Visiting hours
At SickKids, the visiting policies differ based on the area. Inpatient Units allow up to four family caregivers, siblings, or visitors at the bedside during regular visiting hours (9 am to 9 pm) and one overnight (9 pm to 6 am). The CCCU/PICU/NICU and Emergency Department allow up to two family caregivers at the bedside. Outpatient clinics permit up to two family caregivers to accompany the patient to appointments and tests.
Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) encourages virtual visitations for patients diagnosed with infectious diseases. They define a visitor as anyone accompanying a patient and allow visitors aged five and above. NAH permits two visitors to accompany patients before and after surgery and to medical appointments, although some areas like outpatient labs may not allow visitors due to space limitations. The Children's Health Center/Pediatrics permits two parents or guardians per patient.
HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital supports a patient- and family-focused environment, allowing unrestricted visitation for adult and pediatric patients with no limit on the number of visitors. However, caregivers may require patients and visitors to wear masks, and visitors may be asked to leave if they don't comply. The hospital encourages masks, especially when visiting patients with respiratory illnesses.
Kettering General Hospital NHS has regular visiting hours for most wards, but these hours do not apply if a patient is in their last days of life, allowing loved ones to stay as long as needed. The hospital provides a Spiritual & Pastoral Care Service to support the spiritual and emotional well-being of patients, visitors, and staff. Visitors are asked to wear face coverings and frequently wash their hands.
Emanuel Medical Center allows two visitors at a time per patient, with visits of 10 to 20 minutes, and children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors are advised not to come if they have any signs of illness. The hospital has a smoke-free campus.
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Overnight stays
Since 2011, federal regulations require any hospital accepting Medicare and Medicaid to allow patients to choose who they want as visitors. This includes the majority of hospitals. The patient's wishes must be respected regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or relationship. However, general hospital rules regarding visiting hours will still be enforced.
While patients can choose their visitors, overnight stays are a different matter. Hospitals have their own rules regarding overnight stays, and these vary depending on the hospital and the patient's condition. For example, at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, family members must be 18 years or older to stay overnight. Parents of patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are permitted to stay overnight with their babies, but sleeping accommodations are not provided in this unit. The staff reserves the right to make decisions regarding overnight stays each night, based on the child's health and safety.
At Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, one adult support person aged 18 or older may be approved to stay with the patient overnight or after regular visiting hours. Before and after regular visiting hours, approved overnight visitors should remain on the patient's unit and not visit other areas of the hospital. Patients who are at the end of life or in hospice may have overnight visitation with the approval of the patient's care team. The number of visitors allowed in the patient's room at one time will be determined by the care team.
Some hospitals provide overnight accommodation for family members or caregivers of patients in intensive care or other critical care units. This can be helpful for those who live far from the hospital or who wish to be close to the patient. However, such accommodations may be limited, and family members may need to find alternative accommodation, such as nearby hotels.
In conclusion, while patients can generally choose their visitors, overnight stays in hospitals are typically restricted and subject to the approval of the patient's care team. The specific rules and accommodations available will depend on the hospital and the patient's condition. It is important for visitors to communicate with the hospital staff and follow the guidelines provided to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all.
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Health and safety considerations
Visitor Policies
Hospitals typically have specific visitor policies in place, which may vary depending on the unit, patient condition, and other factors. For example, intensive care units and paediatric wards often have stricter guidelines, with limited visitor numbers and specific visiting hours. It is important for visitors to adhere to these policies to ensure the safety and comfort of all patients and maintain a peaceful environment conducive to healing.
Infection Control
To prevent the spread of infections, hospitals implement various measures. Visitors are generally advised not to visit if they exhibit any signs of illness, such as a cough or fever. During outbreaks of respiratory illnesses, hospitals may enforce additional restrictions, such as mask mandates for visitors and patients. In certain cases, hospitals may encourage virtual visitations for patients with infectious diseases to minimise the risk of transmission.
Smoking and Fragrances
Smoking is strictly prohibited in and around hospital premises. Designated smoke-free areas are typically provided for patients, visitors, and staff who smoke. Additionally, the use of fragrances, including perfumes and colognes, may be restricted to reduce potential adverse health effects for patients and staff with fragrance sensitivities.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Hospitals strive to maintain patient confidentiality and privacy. Visitors are instructed not to congregate in hallways and to refrain from using mobile phones to take photographs or videos of staff or other patients, as this violates privacy. Visitors should also be mindful of their conversation volumes and respect the privacy of those around them.
Food and Dietary Restrictions
While visitors often bring food for patients, hospitals generally discourage this practice due to the risk of food poisoning and dietary restrictions. Visitors are advised to check with ward staff about any dietary considerations before bringing food. This ensures patient safety and helps maintain a consistent and appropriate diet for those under medical care.
Chaplaincy and Emotional Support
Recognising the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families, hospitals often offer chaplaincy or pastoral care services. These services provide comfort, support, and a listening ear to help cope with the challenges of hospitalisation. Chaplains are trained to offer religious, spiritual, and pastoral care to a diverse range of patients, visitors, and staff.
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Frequently asked questions
No, hospital visitors do not need to be family. However, some hospitals may have specific guidelines for different units. For example, at SickKids, the Intensive Care Unit allows up to two family caregivers at a time at the bedside.
Yes, some hospitals have age restrictions for visitors. For example, at Northern Arizona Healthcare, visitors must be five years or older, except during the respiratory illness season, when restrictions may be instated. Similarly, at Kettering General Hospital, visitors under 18 may be permitted to visit under specific circumstances and must be accompanied by an adult.
Yes, hospitals may have additional restrictions in place to ensure the safety and comfort of their patients. For example, visitors may be asked to leave if they do not comply with masking requests or are interfering with a patient's care or treatment. Some hospitals may also restrict visitors with signs of illness, such as a cough or fever.
Yes, alternatives such as phone and video communications are encouraged for patients diagnosed with infectious diseases at Northern Arizona Healthcare. Additionally, at Kettering General Hospital, friends and family can stay connected with patients through mobile phones, tablets, or other portable electronic devices.
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