Home / Patient Care / Visitor Policy
Visitor Policy
We recognize the support and reassurance visitors provide for our patients, but the spread of COVID-19 remains significant in our community so we have had to implement strong limits for visitors to keep patients, staff and you safe. We are following the status of COVID-19 in our community and will make necessary changes to our visitor policy to prevent the spread of the virus and maintain the safety of everyone. Please check with hospital staff for current guidelines.
Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare maintains an independent visitor policy. For the latest information, visit the Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare website.
Hospital Visitation Guidelines:
- Patients must designate one (1) individual to visit throughout their hospital stay.
- Only one visit per day (24-hour period) will be permitted.
- Visiting hours are from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Visitors may not stay overnight.
- Special visitation guidelines apply to semi-private rooms.
- Visiting hours are divided into 2 blocks: Patient in Bed A may have visitors between 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM and Patient in Bed B may have visitors between 2:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
- There is a 1 hour gap between visiting blocks to avoid overlaps.
- Visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms every time they enter a Stanford Health Care facility.
- Visitors who do not pass the screening process will not be permitted entry.
- Visitors will be asked to provide contact information each time they visit.
- Visitors will be given a procedure mask upon entering. Cloth or homemade masks are not allowed.
- Masks must be worn at all times.
- Patients who are on special precautions may need their visitors to wear gloves and a gown, which will be provided at the patient care unit.
- Visitors will only have access to the patient's room and are required to go there directly.
- Visitors may exit and re-enter a patient’s room no more than once to use the restroom or for other essential needs.
- The use of interior public spaces is not permitted; this includes cafeteria, inpatient family lounges, or lingering in hallways.
- Visitors are required to comply with all safety protocols, including hand hygiene, masking, and social distancing.
- Visitor guidance for any situation not covered here will be given by the patient’s care team.
- Virtual visits are highly encouraged.
Surgery and Procedures Visitation Guidelines:
- Patients are permitted one (1) caregiver to accompany them in Pre Op only in the following situations:
- The patient is a minor under age 18.
- The patient requires a caregiver as essential to their care.
- Caregivers will be asked to wait outside the hospital once the patient goes into the operating/procedure room.
- If a caregiver requires supportive training for home, they will be called to the unit when appropriate.
- Visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms every time they enter a Stanford Health Care facility.
- Visitors who do not pass the screening process will not be permitted entry.
- Visitors will be asked to provide contact information each time they visit.
- Visitors will be given a procedure mask upon entering. Cloth or homemade masks are not allowed.
- Masks must be worn at all times.
- Patients who are on special precautions may need their visitors to wear gloves and a gown, which will be provided at the patient care unit.
- Visitors are required to comply with all safety protocols, including hand hygiene, masking, and social distancing.
- Visitor guidance for any situation not covered here will be given by the patient’s care team.
- Patients are permitted one (1) caregiver to accompany them in the following situations only:
- The patient is a minor under age 18.
- The patient requires a caregiver as essential to their care.
- Visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms every time they enter a Stanford Health Care facility.
- Visitors who do not pass the screening process will not be permitted entry.
- Visitors will be asked to provide contact information each time they visit.
- Visitors will be given a procedure mask upon entering. Cloth or homemade masks are not allowed.
- Masks must be worn at all times.
- Visitors are required to comply with all safety protocols, including hand hygiene, masking, and social distancing.
- Visitor guidance for any situation not covered here will be given by the patient’s care team.
Emergency Department (Adult & Pediatric) Visitation Guidelines:
- Patients are permitted one (1) visitor for the duration of their visit. If the patient is under 18 years of age, the visitor should be a parent or legal guardian.
- Visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms every time they enter a Stanford Health Care facility.
- Visitors who do not pass the screening process will not be permitted entry.
- Visitors will be asked to provide contact information each time they visit.
- Visitors will be given a procedure mask upon entering. Cloth or homemade masks are not allowed.
- Masks must be worn at all times.
- Patients who are on special precautions may need their visitors to wear gloves and a gown, which will be provided at the patient care unit.
- Visitors are required to comply with all safety protocols, including hand hygiene, masking, and social distancing.
- If the patient is suspected or known to have COVID-19, the use of technology will be considered prior to offering in-person visitation.
- Visitor guidance for any situation not covered here will be given by the patient’s care team.
Thank you for your understanding and compliance with these guidelines.
Revised on 08/03/2020