Holiday Alert: Many UVM Health Network offices and clinics will be closed for the holiday. Urgent Care, ExpressCare, pharmacy and laboratory hours may be affected. View Holiday Hours & Closures. As a reminder, our Emergency Department is always open, 24/7, for emergency medical care
ECH  >  Patients & Visitors  >  Visitor Welcoming Policy

Visitor Welcoming Policy

MASKING IS ENCOURAGED IN OUR FACILITIES

Hospital Visiting Hours: 10:00am – 8:00pm

  • Up to two health visitors are allowed at the bedside at a time.
  • There are no age restrictions. Children 12 years and under must be companied by a parent or supervising adult at all times.

When visiting our facilities:

  • You’re encouraged to wear a well-fitting mask covering their mouth and nose
  • Self-screen prior to arrival for any recent exposures to illnesses/communicable diseases, seasonal viral symptoms and general well-being.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, before entering and exiting.
  • Visitors who have recently tested positive for COVID-19, have had a recent exposure to COVID or are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or respiratory illness are asked to post pone their visit. Department staff shall screen visitors upon arrival to the department. Visitors found to be exhibiting symptoms or have had a recent history of COVID infection (within previous 10 days) will be asked to leave.
  • Visitors who have recently tested positive for COVID-19, have had a recent exposure to COVID or are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or respiratory illness are asked to post pone their visit. Department staff shall screen visitors upon arrival to the department. Visitors found to be exhibiting symptoms or have had a recent history of COVID infection (within previous 10 days) will be asked to leave.

Do not visit or accompany a patient if you:

  • Feel sick, or have symptoms of COVID-19 or flu like symptoms.
  • Tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 10 days.
  • Have been advised to get a COVID-19 test, or are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test.
  • Have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID within the last two weeks.

Inpatient Care Unit
  • Up to 2 healthy individuals during visiting hours. 

  • In limited circumstances, 1 support person may remain overnight as space allows

  • Semi Private Rooms: the needs of the second patient will also be put into consideration.  The care team will collaborate on how to best fit the needs of each patient.  The care team may limit the number of people in the room if it impacts the environment of care

10:00am – 8:00pm

Visits in semi-private rooms may need to be arranged through care team to accommodate maximum visitors.  (for example, the family waiting area could be an alternate location to accommodate the visit)

Inpatient: End of Life

Family presence at the end of life is managed by the care team in consultation with nursing leadership.  In general Up to 4 family members at a time are welcomed for patients in end of life care

24 hours

Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19

For the safety of the visitor, we encourage patients to limit in-person visitation while they are infectious (on isolation precautions).  The use of alternative visits (cell phone or tablets) can be facilitated by staff.

For in person visitation:

  • 1 designated support person (preferably fully vaccinated), who assumes the risk of COVID infection and agrees/complies to visitation guidelines & infection control practices
  • Visitor must wear personal protective equipment (well-fitting procedure mask, face shield, gown, gloves) & stay in room for the duration of visit, and exit the hospital at end of visit.
  • Duration of visit is determined by the care team
  • Overnight visitation is not permitted unless pediatric patient
  • Imminent (within 24 hours) End of life circumstances shall be managed by the care team through consultation with nursing leadership

10:00am – 8:00pm

Emergency Department
  • Up to 2 healthy support persons

  • 1 support person for COVID/PUI with limited exceptions (i.e. pediatric patients, patients with intellectual/developmental disabilities or cognitive impairment including dementia or end of life)
  • Exceptions can be made by the clinical care team when it is medically necessary for a patient’s wellbeing and safety

24 hours

Shared Spaces

(semi-private room, gym area, etc.)

1 - 2 healthy support persons, if space allows

Support persons may be asked to wait in lobby or outside

All Outpatient Departments and Health Centers

1-2 healthy support persons

Extenuating circumstances, not identified above, shall be evaluated on a case by case basis by the care team in consultation with nursing and/or department leadership.

Our visitor policy may be adjusted to ensure the safety of patients, staff and visitors. If necessary, hospital leadership may limit the number of visitors and hours of visitation, or temporarily prohibit visitors entirely.

If you have questions about our visitor policy, please call Inpatient Care at (518) 873-6377.