Visitor Policy

^{Effective November 1, 2024}

PURPOSE

This protocol provides updated guidelines for visitation to ensure the safety of our patients and staff.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1. Our primary objective is to maintain the safety of our staff and patients while continuing to meet the psychosocial needs of patients and families.
2. There should be no preferential treatment given for visitation, including to VIPs. All such requests for exceptions should be reviewed with the infection prevention team.
3. Electronic communication opportunities (e.g., teleconferencing) should be made available for all patients and visitors.

MASKING REQUIREMENT EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1

With the approach of the respiratory virus season, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley is enhancing our safety measures to ensure the well-being of our patients, employees, and visitors. Adhering to Alameda County ordinances, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley is implementing renewed seasonal masking requirements starting Friday, November 1:

• All SHC Tri-Valley employees will be required to wear a mask in patient care areas when delivering patient care within the inpatient care facility and high-risk ambulatory care facilities.
• Visitors and family members are not required but encouraged to wear masks in inpatient facilities.

Masks will be available upon entry to any health care facility.

In addition, we ask that any visitors experiencing respiratory symptoms stay home to prevent the spread of illness and help keep patients who are immunocompromised safe. Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT (5555 W. Las Positas Blvd.)

Universal masking is not required, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

Visitors should be free from signs and symptoms of respiratory illnesses and should not visit if they are not feeling well or have had a fever within the last 24 hours.

NOTE: Visitation may be delayed, altered, or refused based on the care needs of the patient.

INPATIENT COVID-19 NEGATIVE OR COVID-19 CLEARED PATIENTS

1. General Inpatient Guidelines
   1. Inpatient visiting hours are limited to 0800-2000.
   2. Two (2) visitors will be allowed at a time. The patient does not have to designate specific visitors.

Overnight visitors:

1. Inpatients in a private room may have one (1) overnight visitor with the approval of the patient and nursing staff.
2. Inpatients in a non-private room are permitted to have one (1) overnight visitor under specific circumstances as approved by the patient, patient’s roommate, and department manager.
3. Maternal Child
   1. During labor, two (2) support people are allowed. 
   2. One certified professional doula may attend 24/7 from admission until delivery in addition to support persons per above.
4. Pediatrics
   1. Two (2) visitors are allowed.
   2. One (1) caregiver may stay the night.
5. NICU
   1. Once infant is stabilized, two (2) visitors are allowed. 
6. End of Life:
   Defined as imminent death of the patient, usually within 24-72 hours
   1. Up to two (2) visitors at a time are allowed to sit vigil. Each unit manager to determine total number of visitors in a day and duration of each visit. 
   2. Patient death:
      1. Up to two (2) visitors at a time are allowed. Each unit manager to determine total number of visitors in a day and duration of each visit. 
7. Goals of Care (GOC) Meetings
   1. Electronic telecommunications (e.g., Zoom) should be used for goals of care meetings when possible.
   2. For critically ill patients in the ICU, if there is an acute decline in clinical status, and care is deemed ineffective, an in-person GOC meeting can be scheduled as follows:
      1. Up to two (2) family members and the health care provider may attend in person.
   3. For patients who are not critically ill, an in-person meeting may be scheduled and attended by:
      1. Two (2) family members and the health care provider.

INPATIENT COVID-POSITIVE OR PENDING TEST RESULTS

1. General Inpatient Guidelines
   1. One (1) visitor is allowed and does not need to be designated. 
2. Maternal Child
   1. During labor, two (2) support people are allowed.
   2. One certified professional doula may attend 24/7 from admission until delivery in addition to support persons per above.
3. Pediatrics
   1. One (1) caregiver may remain with child.
   2. May swap out with another caregiver. 
4. End of Life
   1. If intubated or not on a vent:
      1. Up to two (2) visitors at a time to sit vigil. Each unit manager to determine total number of visitors in a day and duration of each visit. 
      2. Recommended visit duration of 15 minutes, up to 1 hour.
   2. If intermittent or continuous aerosol generating procedure (AGPs) are being performed:
      1. Visitors should not enter the room until at least 30 minutes after AGP has been completed or extubation has occurred.
   3. After patient death:
      1. Visitors should not enter the room until at least 30 minutes after cessation of CPR. If CPR is not performed, visitors may enter at any time.
      2. Length of visit following patient death is determined based on unit and hospital operations.

AMBULATORY ENVIRONMENT (CLINICS, LAB, DIAGNOSTICS, AND TESTING)

Approved visitors:

1. Visitors should be free from signs and symptoms of respiratory illnesses and should not visit if they are not feeling well or have had a fever within the last 24 hours.
2. Universal masking is not required, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
3. NOTE: Visitation may be delayed, altered, or refused based on the care needs of the patient.

General Visiting Guidelines

1. Use of technology should be considered prior to offering in person accompaniment.

Ambulatory Environment (clinics, labs, diagnostics, and testing)

1. One (1) person will be allowed to accompany the patient. Unit leadership may approve more than one visitor at their discretion.

Interventional/same day procedures on campus

1. One (1) person will be allowed to accompany the patient. Unit leadership may approve more than one visitor at their discretion.

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Two (2) visitors are allowed at a time. Additional visitors may be permitted with the approval of unit leadership.