Updated as of April 19, 2023.

If you or a loved one are preparing for an inpatient stay or an outpatient procedure at The Valley Hospital, we ask that you review the updated visitor guidelines on this page. These guidelines are part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a safe care environment for patients, guests, and staff. 

Please note the following:

  • Masking is now optional for staff, patients, and guests. This includes patient care. Exceptions may apply for certain patient populations; see below for details.
  • Masking requirements are subject to change, based on current transmission levels and local and state guidance.
  • If you are not feeling well or have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 10 days, please refrain from visiting.
  • Guests do not need to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Exceptions: Masking is still required of staff and guests when caring for, or visiting, patients who are experiencing respiratory symptoms or certain patients who are immunocompromised. Masks are also required based on additional isolation precautions (i.e. droplet precautions, airborne precautions, etc.).

Inpatient Visiting Guidelines

Visiting Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Visitors MUST enter the building by 8 p.m.  Visitors who are already on site by 8 p.m. may remain at the bedside until 10 p.m.

Adult Inpatients: Three (3) visitors at least 18 years of age are allowed per patient, per day, during visiting hours. Only one visitor is allowed at a time. All visitors must show Driver’s License with a photo ID. Visitors will be required to obtain a visitor badge.

Immunocompromised: No visitors, balloons, or flowers are allowed. Exceptions include:

  • Two (2) parents or guardians of pediatric patients are allowed for the duration of the stay.
  • One (1) visitor (must be the same person) is allowed for patients with intellectual, developmental, or other cognitive disabilities for the duration of the stay.
  • One (1) visitor (must be the same person) is allowed for patients receiving end-of-life care.

End of Life: Up to four (4) visitors may visit at the same time. Visitors may switch throughout the day.

COVID-19 Patients and Exposed Patients: Special consideration for COVID-19 patients will need approval by Patient and Family Relations. COVID-19-approved visitation will consist of a maximum of two (2) visitors for one (1) hour duration, one-time only visit. Subsequent visits must be re-approved. Visitor must wear full COVID-19 PPE, including a mask, and be instructed on hand hygiene and PPE donning and doffing by primary RN caring for the patient. For end of life, two immediate family members may be present at the same time with limited visitation. One (1) designated family member is granted permission to remain with the patient.

Special Considerations for Women and Children’s Areas

Please Note: Mylar balloons (no latex), flowers, and food for immediate consumption are permitted, except in the NICU.

Pediatrics: Two (2) parents or guardians may visit at the same time, unless COVID+ and PUI guidelines apply. One (1) parent may stay overnight. Siblings may be permitted for end of life.

Labor and Delivery (L&D) & Mother/Baby: One (1) support person is allowed with each inpatient. Support persons must remain in the room and are permitted to leave the premises once per 24 hours. One vaccinated doula (must be the same doula, with proof of booster dose) is permitted for the duration of the patient’s stay. If no doula is present, one additional visitor may be present in L&D.

  • The mother will be given the opportunity to have another support person in the event the initial support person is symptomatic for COVID-19.
  • COVID+ patients are allowed to have one (1) designated support person for the duration of their stay, and that support person must remain in the room for the duration of the stay.
  • Once the patient has delivered and is on Mother/Baby, two (2) additional visitors will be allowed daily. Only the designated support person is permitted to stay for the duration of the postpartum stay. Other visitors may visit during visiting hours only and cannot be present at the same time.
  • Valley-employed doulas and non-Valley certified doulas are permitted without restriction. Doulas must show proof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Antepartum patients may have one (1) designated support person for the duration of the stay. Support person must remain in the room and can leave once per 24 hours. Two (2) additional visitors will be allowed daily. Other visitors may visit during visiting hours of 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. only and cannot be present at the same time.
  • All outpatients admitted to L&D are permitted to have a support person for the duration of their stay.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Both parents/guardians may visit at the same time. Visitation may cease at any time at the discretion of NICU staff/leadership based on room capacity limits.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit COVID-19 Guidelines:

  • COVID+ parents/visitors are not allowed to enter the unit until they are outside their isolation period, per Infection/Prevention Department guidelines.
  • Non-COVID+, inpatient parent(s), can visit any time.
  • Non-COVID+ parent(s) are allowed to visit and may come together once the parent is no longer a patient.
  • No flowers, balloons, or food deliveries are permitted.

Outpatient Visiting Guidelines

Patients with disabilities due to altered mental status, intellectual or cognitive disability, communication barriers, or behavioral concerns, can have one (1) designated support person visit. A designated support person can be:

  • A family member
  • A personal care assistant
  • Another disability service provider knowledgeable about the patient's care
  • A person who lives out of the area and accompanies a patient for a test or procedure can wait in a designated waiting area.
  • Both parents/guardians are allowed to accompany pediatric patients.

Emergency Department

For the safety of our patients and staff, one (1) visitor per patient is allowed. Visitors may rotate, but only one (1) can be on site and at the bedside at a time. The Emergency Department (ED) may cease visitation based on department activity. Exceptions include:

  • Patients in our Pediatric ED – Two (2) parents or guardians may visit at the same time for the duration of the stay.
  • Patients near end of life - Two (2) immediate family members may visit at the same time for the duration of the stay.

All visitors to the ED will be required to show a photo ID and must be at least 18 years of age.

Surgery/Procedure Patients

Main Hospital Campus Procedural Areas: Surgery, Cardiac, Interventional Radiology,  Ambulatory Care, and Same Day Surgery/Procedure

  • One (1) designated visitor is allowed until the patient is taken into surgery/procedure. Visitors must leave the facility and can return for pickup.
  • No visitors are allowed in the Endoscopy area (unable to maintain social distancing for visitors in current space).
  • During the pre- or post-procedure time period, both parents will be permitted for pediatric patients.
  • One (1) support person is allowed for patients with intellectual, developmental, or other cognitive disabilities. 

Luckow Pavilion

  • Masks are optional for patients, guests, and staff.
  • Masks are required in areas where immunocompromised patients are receiving care.
  • One (1) guest is allowed with patients for infusion and radiation oncology.
  • One (1) visitor is allowed at the bedside for patients in Same Day Surgery. Guests may remain at Luckow in designated waiting areas during the patient’s procedure.
  • Valley Medical Group practices at the Luckow Pavilion will follow updated VMG guidelines. Providers, practice leaders, and staff will determine how many guests may be appropriate in the office.

Diagnostic Imaging and Cardiac Outpatient Testing, All Locations

Patients are allowed one (1) visitor under the following circumstances:

  • The patient is cognitively impaired.
  • The patient is physically disabled and requires a visitor to help them navigate the facility.
  • Both parents/guardians may accompany a pediatric patient.

Process: When a visitor is present, the following restrictions are in place:

  • Visitors may not be present during the procedure or in the recovery room.
  • Visitors must leave the facility and can return for pickup.

All other off-site locations will follow building-specific guidelines.

Clergy

Must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination card. (Only individuals who are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster if eligible, can come on site.)

  • If visiting patients, visits are limited to 15 minutes per patient.
  • For end of life, please reach out Patient and Family Relations.

Vendors, Consultants, and Private Aides

Must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination card. (Only individuals who are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster if eligible, can come on site.)

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact Patient & Family Relations at 201-447-8169.

 

Masks are Optional

Masking is now optional in all areas of Valley Health System for staff, guests, and patients. Exceptions apply; please read this page for details.

If you would like our team members to be masked while caring for you or your loved one, please let us know.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact Patient & Family Relations at 201-447-8169.