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Visiting a Patient

Visiting Patients General Visitor Requirements

Visiting Patients

  • Patients may have visitors between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. If someone wants to visit at a different time, ask the patient’s care team.
  • Visitors must be 16+ years of age to visit in all intensive Care Units and 12+ years of age for all other acute care inpatient units.
  • Information on visiting patients in the Women's & Children's Building can be found here.
  • Children may visit some units in Women's and Children's, depending on their age. They must be watched by an adult who is not the patient or care team.
  • There are no restrictions for Ambulatory Surgery or Ambulatory departments.
  • Visitors must follow our Patient and Visitor Code of Conduct to keep a respectful, safe, peaceful environment for everyone.
  • There may be times when visits need to be limited or stopped if there are safety reasons, privacy concerns, the patient’s condition changes, or visitors don’t follow the rules.
  • Weapons are not allowed at ChristianaCare. To keep a safe environment, we are using weapon detection technology. Everyone who enters the building must be screened.

General Visitor Requirements

  • Visitors should only go in the room of the patient they are visiting.
  • All visitors should wash their hands with soap and water (or use hand sanitizer) when entering and leaving a patient’s room and try to limit touching surfaces.
  • Visitors of patients with some contagious illnesses, like COVID-19 or C. diff, may be asked to wear items such as masks, gloves, and gowns (called personal protective equipment), or have limited visits. Speak with the patient’s care team before going in the patient’s room.
  • If you feel sick (with a fever, cough, or diarrhea), it is better not to visit in person. If you must visit, please wear a mask and wash your hands frequently.
  • Masks are available as needed. Ask the care team.
  • All visitors should wear masks for these reasons:
    • When there are high levels of flu, COVID-19, RSV, or other illnesses in the community. Signs at the entrances will let you know when to wear a mask.
    • If the visitor is coughing, sneezing, or has other mild cold-like or allergy symptoms.
  • Visitors who have had COVID-19 within the past 10 days should not visit.
    • This is different from current CDC guidelines, which says people don’t need to stay home once they feel better and don’t have a fever (without using medication for fever).
    • We want to protect our vulnerable patients because people with COVID-19 may still be contagious for up to 10 days. Patients with an underlying condition that weakens their immune systems should defer visitation for at least 20 days.
    • Exception: If you are a healthy parent who had COVID-19 and are up to date on vaccines, you may visit your baby in the NICU after 5 days - as long as you have no symptoms.

Thank you for being a partner in your health care. If you have questions, please speak with your nurse or another member of our care team.

Show Respect to Everyone

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