Visiting Quick Tips

Provided by the Family Advisory Board

Call ahead

Families may need private time or have other visitors at the hospital when you arrive. Checking for the best time to visit shows respect for their family time. It avoids missing the patient if tests, therapy, or surgeries are scheduled.

Excuse yourself

Sometimes it is necessary to step out of the room in order to let the patient carry out certain tasks that require privacy. This also includes when doctors or nurses enter the room.

Never bring food or drink

Unless previously discussed and approved by the family or the child’s physician, never bring food or drink during your visit. Many patients are not allowed to eat or drink for extended periods of time.

Supervise young visitors with you

Respect the patient you are visiting and other patients by constantly supervising children. Children should always be with an adult, whether in the patient room or playroom.

Limit the visit

A break is usually welcomed by our families. But long visits and lots of visitors can be too much for both the patient and family.

Wash your hands

Remember to wash your hands before entering the patient’s room to reduce the spread of germs and infections.