Important Information About Visitation Guidelines
at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children's Hospital of New Jersey
Effective April 1, 2024
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC) and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey (CHoNJ) visitation guidelines reflect our commitment to our patients and their support persons.
The RWJBarnabas Health Fast-Pass visitor identification system is now live. All visitors will be required to present identification at hospital entrances, at which time they will be issued a Photo ID Badge.
We continue to take every precaution to stop the spread of COVID-19 and contagious respiratory illnesses by following the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local health departments and agencies such as the New Jersey Hospital Association.
Visiting Guidelines
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Adult Inpatient
Up to two visitors permitted at same time -
Emergency Department
Up to one visitor permitted for duration -
Obstetrics/Labor and Delivery
Up to two visitors permitted at same time
One doula, must be the same doula, for duration of birth parent’s stay -
Surgery/Procedure Patients
Provided social distancing can be accomplished, one visitor until patient is taken into prep
One visitor when patient is in recovery and preparing for discharge -
Pediatrics
Two parents or guardians may visit at the same time
Siblings may be permitted for end of life -
Immunocompromised
No visitors- EXCEPTION: One parent or one guardian of pediatric patients for the duration of stay
- EXCEPTION: Exceptions may apply to pediatrics, labor and delivery, end of life, and patients with intellectual, developmental or cognitive impairment including dementia, communication barriers or behavioral concerns.
- EXCEPTION: End of life care
-
Psychiatry
Up to two visitors for duration may be permitted
Permission to visit is granted at discretion of care team
Permission to visit must be approved by care team in advance of visit -
End of Life
No limit on number of visitors permitted, provided care team approves and deems it is safe and feasible to meet social distancing guidelines
Safety Measures and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
All visitors are expected to adhere to the following safety protocols:
- Clean your hands before and after your visit.
- Be aware of maintaining physical distancing.
Effective April 1, 2024, masking is optional for staff, providers, patients, visitors, volunteers and vendors.
Please note:
- Masking may still be required for certain patients on standard infection prevention protocols, and/or on units responsible for the care of vulnerable patients at the determination of each site.
- Masks continue to be available to staff, providers, patients, visitors, volunteers and vendors in our facilities.
- Masking is requested of all patients who present with respiratory symptoms, if tolerated, as well as all staff members and providers caring for them.
- Should a patient request their caregivers wear a mask, staff and providers are expected to comply.
When indicated, individuals may wear their own face mask/covering. If they do not have their own face mask/covering they will be provided one.
If an individual is permitted to visit a COVID-19-positive patient because of extenuating circumstances or if a patient is on isolation precautions, they will be provided with and must wear appropriate PPE as recommended by the CDC. Staff will direct the visitor on the appropriate PPE.
If a visitor refuses to wear a mask or other PPE as indicated, that individual will be asked to leave the facility.
Face masks with valves will not be permitted as the valves allow unfiltered air to be released. This does not protect others from bacteria spread, per the CDC.
Prior to and During the Visit
All visitors must perform hand hygiene before visiting a patient.
RWJBH understands that a hospitalization can be a stressful and uncertain time for many. The visitation policy reflects our commitment to addressing the needs of our patients while prioritizing the safety of all those who enter our facilities.
Our staff and physicians are here to support you and your loved ones and will take into consideration any requests that are made beyond the parameters of this policy in the best interest of the patient.
With guidance from the New Jersey Hospital Association, New Jersey Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and regional and local health departments, we are taking all the necessary steps to ensure the health, well-being and safety of our patients, our staff and the communities we serve.
We thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.
