Important Information About Visitation Guidelines

at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset

Last updated: August 21, 2024

Effective April 1, 2024, masking is optional at all RWJBarnabas Health locations 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

The safety and well-being of our patients, visitors and staff is our number one priority. Please be aware of the following guidelines before visiting Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset:

• Photo ID is required for all visitors.
• Adult Inpatient Acute Care Units – Two visitors at a time per patient between the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All visitors must be at least 12 years of age.
• COVID-19 Positive Patients - Visitors for patients that are on isolation protocols for COVID-19 infections must follow Personal Protective Equipment protocols, as instructed by the unit nurses.
• Labor & Delivery Unit - One significant other/birth partner may remain with the patient. A doula is also permitted throughout labor, delivery, and the entire postpartum hospital stay. The doula shall not count as the birth partner.
• Post-Partum Unit - One significant other/birth partner may remain with the patient. A total of two visitors, in addition to a significant other/birth partner, may visit at one time during visiting hours. Siblings of any age are permitted to visit. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - Two visitors at a time, including parents/birth partners, can visit during visiting hours.
• Emergency Department - Adult patients may have one visitor at a time. Pediatric patients may have two visitors. All visitors must be at least 18 years of age.
• Same Day Surgery or Ambulatory Procedures - Patients, except for pediatrics and patients with an intellectual, developmental or other cognitive disability, may have two visitors with them prior to and after the procedure, including when procedures are scheduled outside of visiting hours. Visitors may wait in the department waiting area or hospital lobby while the patient is having his/her procedure. All visitors must be at least 12 years of age.
• Behavioral Health Unit - One visitor per patient per day between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Arrangements for visitation are by appointment with the unit staff.
• Eating Disorders Unit - One visitor per patient per day between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Arrangements for visitation are by appointment with the unit staff.
• Outpatients - Outpatients may be accompanied by up to two visitors. Visitors may wait for the patient in the department waiting area or hospital lobby while the patient is having their procedure. All visitors must be at least 12 years of age.

Visitors may not be present during procedures or in the recovery room, except for pediatrics, childbirth and patients with an intellectual, developmental or other cognitive disability.

Visitation exceptions may be made in certain circumstances, including for patients with special needs and in end of life situations. Up to four visitors may visit at the same time for end of life.

Clergy members are asked to follow the hospital’s guidelines for visitation.

Safety Measures

Please help us stop the spread of contagious respiratory illnesses.

Please defer your visit to another day:

1. If you have a fever of 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
   • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
   • Muscle or body aches
   • New loss of taste or smell
   • Congestion or runny nose
   • Diarrhea
   • Cough
   • Fatigue
   • Headache
   • Sore throat
   • Nausea or vomiting
2. If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 10 days.
3. If you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 infection in the last 10 days and cannot wear a mask.

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.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset 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.

When not available to visit, we encourage family members and friends to use alternative ways to interact with their loved ones, including phone calls, Facetime, Skype and other means.