Family Presence Policy
As part of our focus on patient and family-centered care, we have taken the word “visitor” out of our vocabulary and replaced it with “families and guests.” Please be aware that at this time, we have a two (2) guests or family members policy.
Under our “Family Presence Policy,” we encourage patients to identify their partner(s) in care upon admission and will help them in doing so. Please read below for information about the policy in specific areas at our facilities.
This policy also puts patients in control by allowing them to decide when their families and guests may be present. Taking the safety of patients and staff into consideration, we also have set in place a secure and easy-to-follow process for identifying after-hours guests.
With the help of our care advisory team, comprised of previous patients and family members, several opportunities have been identified that now make it easier for families to have access to the hospital after hours and to their loved ones around the clock.
Effective Feb. 6, 2023, for the entire UofL Health system until further notice
Guests or family members are allowed to visit those in the hospital during open visitation, except during posted quiet times. Children supervised by an adult are welcome and not restricted by age.
You must not have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, body aches or respiratory symptoms when visiting.
All guests should wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds when entering and leaving patient rooms and the facility in general. Any guest must stay in the patient’s room the entire time of the visit or move to the designated family room or waiting room.
Hospital Inpatients
All inpatients may have two (2) guests who should remain in the patient’s room during the visitation. Visiting hours are 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
Exceptions to the general family presence policy are:
- End of life: Any time, 24 hours a day
- Women’s services: Visitation guidelines and departmental policy and procedures can be viewed here
- Psychiatry: Contact the department for visitation guidelines and departmental policy and procedures
- COVID-19 patients: COVID-19 patents will be limited to one designated visitor to be named upon the patient’s admission
We welcome clergy for patients in palliative care, emergency care, hospice care, in one of our UofL Health – Emergency Departments or at a UofL Health – Urgent Care Plus location.
Emergency Departments and Urgent Cares
One guardian or parent is permitted to accompany pediatric patients. Nursing team members may make accommodations for one guest to accompany an adult or senior patient if the patient requires special support and only in extreme situations.
Surgery or Procedural Areas
Adult patients scheduled for a surgery or a procedure (inpatient or outpatient) may have two (2) guests accompany them into the facility. A private waiting area will be opened where available; however, guests will still be encouraged to remain in their car during the procedure as public waiting areas will be severely limited to maintain appropriate social distancing. UofL Health will continue with its phone notification plan following all procedures that the Operating Room has outlined previously.
Pediatric patients scheduled for surgery may have two parents/guardians accompany them into the facility.
Adult Outpatient Medical Centers and Offices
Adult patients can be accompanied by two (2) guests into their appointment. Pediatric patients may have two parents or guardians in the exam room. Children supervised by an adult are welcome and not restricted by age. All patients will complete a health screening prior to their appointment.
Guests with a fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, body aches or respiratory systems are discouraged from accompanying the patient to the appointment.
UofL Heath – Peace Hospital
The Assessment and Referral Center at UofL Health – Peace Hospital may have one (1) person accompany the patient into the facility. We encourage the use of Zoom and phone calls to visit loved ones in the hospital. In-person family presence requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
