A visit from your family members and friends is a welcome part of your hospital stay. Since the recovery of our patients is of utmost importance to us, we have established the following rules:

• Visitors are expected to be quiet and orderly, and to obey all medical center rules and regulations.
• Special visiting are coordinated with the unit's head nurse. Whenever possible and medically appropriate, the nurse will make the arrangements to meet patient and family needs.
• Visitors are not permitted in the recovery room following the surgery of a family member or friend.
• Children must not be left unattended at any time..

All persons, including visitors, who enter the Medical Center, must consent to the inspection of their packages, luggage and any other containers in their possession. Those who decide not to allow these items to be inspected will be denied admission. VA Police are responsible for ensuring that these procedures are enforced.

If you are unable to visit a patient personally, you may call the patient or send a card or gift.

Number of Visitors

A patient may receive no more than two visitors at a time.

Food and Beverages

Visitors may not bring food, beverages or medications  to patients without authorization from unit physicians or nurses. Possession, sale or use of illicit drugs, narcotics or alcohol is prohibited on VA property. This carries serious penalties.

Children Under 15 Years of Age

Under no circumstance visitors under 15 years old are not allowed on the hospitalized patient wards (4th to 9th floors) except in the Nursing Home, Nursing Home Transitional and Hospice. In some cases children will be allowed to visit a relative in an inpatient area if authorized by the veteran's physician.

Visitors who are less than 15 years of age will also be permitted in the outpatient areas.

In extreme circumstances, children under 15 may visit with the permission of the physician and the charge nurse. An adult must accompany children at all times.

Clergy

Members of the clergy are welcome to visit patients who are members of their particular religious group at any time at the discretion of the unit physicians or nurses.

Exceptions

For the health and well-being of a patient, the attending physician may limit, restrict, or deny visitation. We apologize for any inconvenience when this occurs, and appreciate your understanding that it may be medically necessary.

Security/Practices Not allowed

An electronic surveillance system has been installed in the VA Hospital to prevent removing VA property. Infractions carry serious penalties. The VA may inspect all packages and bags brought in or out of the hospital.

Cellular Phones

The use of cellular phones is prohibited inside of the building because they may interfere with medical equipment.

Dangerous Weapons

Dangerous weapons (fire arms, clubs, etc.) are prohibited in this hospital. If you have any weapons, they must be deposited in the Police Service Office on the first floor.

Gambling and Commercial Transactions

Gambling, selling or engaging in commercial transactions of any kind is prohibited in the hospital grounds.

Property Damages

Anyone deliberately damaging VA property will be required to pay for the damage. The removal of hospital property such as pajamas, sheets, covers, pillows, pillowcases and towels is not allowed.

Other Practices

Gift giving or tips to any of our employees is not allowed. Remind your family not to give gifts or tips. It is our privilege to take care of you. Do not tape or record any conversation with healthcare team members or other patients without their permission. Please direct any questions about your health care to your doctor or other members of your health care team. Photos are not allowed in any areas of the Hospital, unless authorized by official personnel.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in any building or on the premises of the hospital. There are designated smoking areas outside the hospital such as:

• 1st floor, breezeway main building
• Ward 2C2 terrace (2nd floor)
• First and second floor terraces at the Nursing Home Building.