Important Information About Visitation Guidelines

at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway

Effective April 1, 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

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.

Personal Protective Equipment

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 masks are 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 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.

In-Room Virtual Visits

We thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.