Important Information About Visitation Guidelines

at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset

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 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.

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.

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.