We are pleased to announce changes to our inpatient visitor restriction policy that will allow most patients to have one visitor per day beginning Wednesday, May 12.
In making this change, we are guided by UW Medicine’s patient care philosophy, which has always recognized how much the presence of family and friends can contribute to the healing process. We also want to acknowledge the many heartfelt stories that you have shared about how difficult it has been for patients to be alone in the hospital.
Visitation will continue to be subject to each hospital’s guidelines and visitor hours, and special provisions will apply to end-of-life patients and patients in our Labor and Delivery units.
We will also continue to enforce the following restrictions:
- Visitors will not be allowed in the rooms of patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, except in limited situations outlined in the policy.
- Visitors will be screened upon entry and will only be allowed if they do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
- Visitors cannot have pending COVID-19 tests that were taken due to symptoms or exposure to a person who tested positive for COVID-19.
- Visitors cannot have tested positive and still be within their isolation period or have been in contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
- Visitors 2 years of age and older (even if fully vaccinated) must wear masks at all times while in our facilities in accordance with the Required and Extended Use Masking Policy.
- Visitors must stay in the patient’s room except when arriving or departing the facility.
- Visitors may not consume food or beverages in the lobbies, waiting areas, shared patient spaces or when healthcare workers are present in the patient care space.
Please refer to the policy for additional details and talk with your manager or supervisor if you have questions.
While this change brings us one step closer to normal, we are not there yet. COVID-19 remains a significant public health threat. We hope to continue to welcome visitors to our hospitals, but we will scale back visitation in the future, if necessary. Your partnership in supporting the policy is appreciated and will help us provide the safe environment that is necessary to maintain it.
We continue to look forward to the day when all routine visiting can resume.
Sincerely,
Lisa Brandenburg
President, UW Medicine Hospitals & Clinics
Vice President for Medical Affairs
University of Washington
Timothy H. Dellit, MD
Chief Medical Officer, UW Medicine
Vice President for Medical Affairs,
University of Washington, and
President, UW Physicians
