Visitation for Patients Admitted to the Hospital

One visitor is permitted per day for each hospitalized patient, up to four consecutive hours daily. 

• Two individuals may be designated to visit during the hospital stay, but cannot visit on the same day.
• Individuals who are sick or suspected of having COVID may not visit until negative COVID test results are received.

All visitors must be 18 years old or older.
 

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours are between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily

Visitation is limited to four consecutive hours per day.

Exceptions

• Patients with COVID or awaiting a COVID test result: No visitors unless they meet another exception.
• Pediatric Patients: Two designated individuals during visiting hours, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For overnight guidelines or COVID-positive patients, ask the unit staff. 
• OB Patients in Labor: One identified support person and one visitor or doula allowed. If patient is awaiting COVID test results, only the one support person is allowed. After delivery, if the patient is COVID negative, the support person may stay (four hour restriction does not apply) and the same visitor/doula may visit up to four hours daily. 
• Developmental Disabilities/Cognitive Impairment Patients: One support person with no time limitations as care team deems necessary.
• End-of-life Patients: Two individuals may visit at the same time.
   

Surgery and Ambulatory Procedure Guidelines

• One visitor may accompany patient and is permitted to stay in the waiting room until patient is discharged. 
• If the patient is admitted after surgery, hospital visitation and exception guidelines will be followed.
   

Emergency Department Patients

• One visitor allowed throughout ED visit. Pediatric paients may have two parents/guardians present. If the patient is admitted into the hospital, but still in ED awaiting a bed, hospital visitation and exception guidelines will be followed.

Hospital Visitors Guidelines: 

• A hospital-issued mask (we will provide) must be worn at all times. Wear your mask correctly: nose and mouth must be covered. Other PPE may be required when visiting as directed by nursing. Non-compliant visitors will be asked to leave.
• Individuals who are sick or suspected of having COVID may not visit. You will be screened for symptoms upon arrival to the hospital.
• Wash your hands often: Wash with soap for at least 20 seconds and use sanitizer – ask for some if none is available to you.
• After screening, you will receive a one-day visitor pass for inpatient hospital visits. Report directly to the nurse's station in the unit before proceeding to patient's room. Please be sure to check back out at the hospital information desk upon departure.
• 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) 396-6663.

All hospital visitors are required to present their driver’s license at check-in. For those without a license, another form of photo ID will be accepted. The ID will be scanned to record name and address only, and visitor badges will be handed out along with COVID visitation guidance:

• Visitors must first check in with the floor’s Nursing station before proceeding to the patient’s room
• Visitors must wear a mask at all times, even in the patient’s room
• Once arriving at the patient’s room, visitors must remain in the room – no wandering

This additional information is being collected at the mandate of New York State’s Department of Health for contact tracing purposes. You may be asked additional questions at check-in when arriving for a visit, depending on current COVID restrictions and any changes to contact tracing requirements. At this time, the need for photo ID is only required for inpatient hospital visitation. 

Have questions about infection control and what is being done to protect your loved one from COVID-19?

Email icp@health.ny.gov, covidadultcareinfo@health.ny.gov, or covidnursinghomeinfo@health.ny.gov.

You may download and/or print this Visitation Guide for your reference.