Current Visitor Restrictions at Strong Memorial Hospital

Visitation for Patients Admitted to the Hospital

One visitor is permitted at a time for each hospitalized patient.

• A patient can have any number of visitors throughout their hospital stay, but only one can visit at a time.
• A total of two individuals can visit per day, but at different times. Each visitor can visit for up to 4 hours.

If a patient has only one visitor, that person can stay the entire day, and can leave the hospital and return during that day’s visiting time.

Visitors taking turns to visit a patient are asked to switch outside of the hospital.

All visitors must be at least 18 years old.

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours are between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Visitation is limited to up to 4 consecutive hours per visitor, per day.

Exceptions

• Patients with COVID: Limited visitation is allowed under these guidelines. (Click the heading below to see the information.)
  Visitation guidelines for COVID-positive patients

  • Only two designated visitors will be allowed throughout the patient’s hospital stay
  • Only one visitor allowed at the bedside at a time, for up to four hours during
  • Visiting hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Visitors must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the duration of the visit and will not be allowed to come and go from the hospital during their visit time.
  • Visitors may leave the room only to use a restroom, and should follow procedures for removing PPE upon exiting the room and putting on new PPE before returning to it.
  • Visitors should remain on the unit until their visit is over, and following their visit, immediately exit the hospital.  
  • Social Work will reach out to COVID-positive patients and families to identify their designated visitors and schedule their first visits so staff can provide orientation on how to put on and take off PPE.
  • Visitors who do not follow these rules will not be permitted to stay.
  • If a patient who who has recovered from COVID is roomed with a COVID-positive person, the same visitation limits regarding number of designated visitors and donning/doffing PPE will be in place for their visitors.
  • Visitors should review the information below on use of PPE prior to their visit.
    • CDC guidelines for donning (putting on) PPE
    • CDC guidelines for doffing (taking off) PPE
    • Instructions for PPE
   
• Pediatric Patients: Parents and up to 2 other visitors during visiting hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but no more than 3 individuals at the bedside at any give time. For overnight guidelines, ask the unit staff.
• OB Patients in Labor: 1 identified support person and 1 visitor or doula during labor. After delivery, the support person is permitted to stay, and the visitor/doula can visit up to 4 hours each day.
• Behavioral Health Patients: Visiting hours are from noon to 6 p.m.
• Developmental Disabilities/Cognitive Impairment Patients: 1 support person with no time limitations, as deemed necessary by the care team.
• End-of-life Patients: 2 individuals may visit at the same time.

Guidelines for Patients Having Surgery

• 1 visitor may accompany the patient through the pre-surgical process.
• The visitor may then remain socially distanced in our waiting room.
• If the patient is admitted after surgery, the visitation and exception guidelines will be followed.

Dialysis Unit, Cardiac Cath Lab, Electrophysiology Lab, Interventional Radiology

• Visitors are not permitted for safety precautions. 
• Space does not allow for social distancing when visitors are present. 
• Exception guidelines will still be followed.

When You Visit in the Hospital: Guidelines to Follow

• A hospital-issued mask (we will provide) must be worn at all times. Wear your mask correctly: nose and mouth must be covered.
• Wash your hands often: Wash with soap for at least 20 seconds and use sanitizer – ask for some if none is available to you.
• Individuals who are sick or suspected of having COVID may not visit. You will be screened for symptoms on arrival to the hospital, and your temperature will be checked.
• After screening, you will receive a visitor pass – which is only a one-day pass.
• Social distance: stay 6 feet apart from other people.
• Stay in your patient’s room: no walking in the halls unless necessary. If you smoke, please bring nicotine replacement.
• When you leave the hospital, help everyone stay safe: remain masked, wash your hands after visiting, and maintain social distancing.

For questions, call (585) 275-7555.

Wilmot Cancer Center Visitor Policy

• Patients coming in for a clinic appointment may have one visitor, when waiting room space allows.
• Visitors are currently not permitted in the infusion center or in radiation therapy waiting area because of the limited space available in these locations.
• Patients who are hospitalized may have two visitors per day, with each visiting up to four hours in a blocked time frame. Visiting hours for hospitalized patients are between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Visitors must coordinate the transition outside the hospital.

All visitors must go through a screening station 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.