Important Information About Visitation Guidelines

at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway

Effective December 16, 2024

The safety and well-being of our patients, visitors and staff is our number one priority. Please be aware of the following newly revised guidelines before visiting:

• Visiting hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Inpatient acute care units: No more than two visitors per inpatient.

• Emergency Department: One visitor at the bedside.

• Pediatric units: Two parents or guardians at the bedside.
• Surgery: One visitor allowed for surgery and procedure patients until the patient is taken to the pre-op area. One visitor allowed when patient is in recovery and preparing for discharge.

• End-of-life: Two visitors may visit at the same time.

• COVID-19-positive patients: No visitors are permitted except for circumstances approved by the care team.

• All visitors 14 years of age and under: Will not be permitted.

We encourage family members and friends to use alternative ways to interact with their loved ones, including phone calls, Facetime, Skype and other means.

Extenuating circumstances to the temporary guidelines and individual requests will always be considered based on the best interest and needs of the individual patient. These extenuating circumstances include but are not limited to:

• Patients on hospice or at the end of life
• Patients who are critically unstable
• Patients undergoing surgery or procedures
• Patients in need of a medical guardian or decision-maker
• At the discretion of the hospital, one visitor may be able to accompany a patient in Ambulatory Care or other outpatient areas

Safety Measures and Personal Protective Equipment

Visitation Guidelines

Reglas para Visitantes (En español)

Please help us stop the spread of contagious respiratory illnesses.

Please defer your visit to another day:

1. If you have a fever or have felt feverish in the last 24 hours or are experiencing COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms. Possible symptoms include, but are not limited to:
   • Fever or chills
   • Cough
   • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
   • Fatigue
   • Muscle or body aches
   • Headache
   • New loss of taste or smell
   • Sore throat
   • Congestion or runny nose
   • Nausea or vomiting
   • Diarrhea
2. If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (or another contagious respiratory illness, such as influenza or RSV) within the last 10 days.
3. If you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 infection (or another contagious respiratory illness) in the last 10 days and cannot wear a mask — even if you are asymptomatic.

When visiting our facility, all visitors are expected to adhere to the following safety recommendations:

• Wear an appropriate face mask. We will offer you a new mask for source control or may ask you to replace your own mask with a hospital-supplied mask.
• Clean your hands before and after your visit.
• Maintain physical distance.

If a visitor refuses to wear a mask or other PPE as indicated, that individual will be asked to leave the facility.

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.

Thank you for your cooperation and your efforts to help keep our patients, staff and communities safe!

Visiting Outpatient and Medical Group Facilities

Ubicaciones de Cuidados Ambulatorios y Grupos Médicos (En español)

• Masking is strongly encouraged for all providers, staff, patients, visitors and vendors at all times in the presence of patients.
• Masking is REQUIRED for all patients who present with respiratory symptoms, as well as all staff members and providers caring for them.
• Every patient has the right to request their provider(s) and/or staff wear a mask when treating them.

Upon checking in, please let a member of our team know if you are experiencing any of the following:

1. If you have a fever or have felt feverish in the last 24 hours or are experiencing COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms. Possible symptoms include, but are not limited to:
   • Fever or chills
   • Cough
   • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
   • Fatigue
   • Muscle or body aches
   • Headache
   • New loss of taste or smell
   • Sore throat
   • Congestion or runny nose
   • Nausea or vomiting
   • Diarrhea
2. If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (or another contagious respiratory illness, such as influenza or RSV) within the last 10 days.
3. If you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 infection (or another contagious respiratory illness) in the last 10 days even if you are asymptomatic.

In-Room Virtual Visits

We thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.