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Strong Memorial Hospital / SMH Visitor Restrictions

 

Current Visitor Restrictions at Strong Memorial Hospital

New York State ended its mask mandate in clinical care facilities on Feb. 13, 2023. Following state and federal guidance, Strong Memorial Hospital has developed a new policy on visitor masking and infection prevention that balances patient and staff safety with convenience. 

Masking is encouraged for patients and visitors, and masks will be provided on request. In some areas where patients may be especially vulnerable, such as select areas of the Wilmot Cancer Center tower, everyone is required to mask. Please adhere to signage in those areas and/or staff requests for you to mask.

Visitation Changes 4/18/2024

Download & Print the Guidelines

Visitation for Patients Admitted to the Hospital

  • Two visitors, ages 12 or older, are allowed at the bedside at a time on inpatient units except in the ICUs, where visitors must be 18 or older. Exceptions for other hospital areas are noted below. Masking is encouraged and masks will be provided. Individuals who are sick or believe they may have COVID may not visit. Visitors will be asked to attest that they are symptom/COVID free.

Visiting Hours

  • Hours for visiting are between 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Additionally

  • Pediatric Patients: 4 visitors at the bedside at a time. Up to 2 parents/guardians may stay overnight, depending on unit. Please check with unit leadership.
  • For NICU: only 1 visitor may stay overnight.
  • OB (patients in labor): 2 visitors will be permitted at the bedside at a time, and no visitors under the age of 12 will be allowed.
  • Behavioral Health Care: Visiting hours from noon to 8 p.m. Two visitors at a time are allowed at the bedside. Visitors must be 18 or older except on unit 4-9000, where children 12 and older are allowed to visit.
  • Developmental Disabilities/Cognitive Impairment Care: 1 support person, no time limitations, as care team deems necessary.
  • End of Life Care: 2 individuals may visit at the same time. 

Patients having Surgery or a procedure in the Cardiac Cath Lab or Electrophysiology Lab

  • Two visitors may accompany patient through the pre-surgical process.
  • The visitors may remain socially distanced in a designated waiting room.
  • If patient is admitted after surgery, visitation and exception guidelines will be followed.

Emergency Department and Observation Units

  • 1 visitor at a time with the patient, allowing for a second designated visitor to alternate with them, when volume and safety within the department permit. If waiting room is too busy, visitors will be asked to leave.
  • If the patient is admitted into the hospital, but still in the ED waiting for a bed, hospital visitation and exception guidelines will be followed.

Dialysis Unit, Infusion Center, & Interventional Radiology

  • Visitors are not permitted due to space limitations
  • Visitation exception guidelines will still be followed.

Infusion Center

  • 1 visitor allowed at a time with the patient.

Wilmot Cancer Center Visitor Policy

  • Patients coming in for a clinic appointment may have two visitors or support persons, when waiting room space allows.
  • Visitors are currently not permitted in the radiation therapy waiting area because of the limited space available.
  • Two visitors are permitted at the bedside at a time. Visiting hours for hospitalized patients are between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m..

All visitors must review screening criteria for illness before entering. If waiting area space is too full, visitors may be asked to wait in their car until the visit begins. Please ask a staff member if you have questions.