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Visitor Policy

Updated 10/18/23

Download a PDF of our visitor policy

Having a support system of family, friends and loved ones is an important part of the healing process – physically and mentally. At Barnes-Jewish Hospital we strive to provide a positive patient experience across our hospital. A standard visitor policy is part of that experience.

Visiting virtually through phone calls, FaceTime, or other virtual methods are an option for those who choose not to visit in person. If a patient is interested in a virtual visit, but unable to coordinate on their own, the Barnes-Jewish Hospital care team can help facilitate through the BJC Virtual Visitor Program.

No weapons are allowed in the hospital. Visitors, staff and patients will pass through an electronic security screening system.

Below please find details from our visitor policy.

  1. Patient’s Right of Visitation
    1. All patients have the right to receive visitors during their inpatient admission or while receiving care in outpatient service areas (e.g., emergency department, outpatient surgery or procedure areas, clinic visits, or other outpatient services), with limited exceptions. Patients, or their legal guardian or legal representative, may also designate who may visit during their visit.
    2. A patient has the right to limit all visitors and/or limit a particular visitor or visitors.
    3. A patient has a right to change his/her mind at any time about accepting visits from anyone, including family members or friends.
    4. The facility will ensure that visitors have access to a patient in a manner consistent with the patient’s preferences.
    5. The facility will not restrict, limit, or otherwise deny a patient’s visitation rights, or limit who a patient may have as a visitor, based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
  2. Visitor Code of Conduct
    1. Masks are not required in most areas.
    2. To reduce transmission, masking is recommended for those who are showing signs or symptoms of respiratory illness and those with a recent known exposure to someone with a respiratory illness.
    3. Those who prefer to wear masks in BJC facilities are welcome to do so. Respiratory hygiene stations will remain at all facilities.
    4. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18+ other than the patient.
    5. Visitors will be respectful of the patient, other patients, and staff at all times.
    6. Visitors must abide by reasonable expectations concerning their behavior within the facility as set forth in this policy and as communicated to them by hospital staff. Violations may result in the removal of visitor.
    7. Visitors must help support a quiet and healing environment.
    8. Where applicable, visitors must comply with all badging and sign-in/sign-out requirements.
    9. Visitors must comply with established guidelines pertaining to isolation, infection control, and other health and safety precautions as instructed by nursing staff, including hand washing and other required safety practices when entering and leaving a patient’s room.
    10. Visitors may be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a gown, gloves, mask, face shield as directed by infection prevention.
    11. Visitors may not consume alcohol, recreational or medical cannabis, or other non-prescription controlled substances while on the BJC Healthcare premises.
      1. Staff may contact Public Safety if a visitor appears intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or other substances, whether such substances prescribed or recreational.
    12. Visitors may not smoke or use other tobacco or cannabis products anywhere in the facility or on facility grounds consistent with the BJC smoke-free policies.
    13. Visitors must keep their voices to a reasonable level and televisions, radios, and other sound devices may not be loud or disturb other patients, especially during Quiet Hours, typically 9pm to 9am.
  3. Visiting Hours and Conditions
Area/Dept Total Number of VIsitors Permitted Visiting Hours (Minimum of 6 per day)

Emergency Department (ED)

 

  • 2 visitors at bedside
  • Must remain with patient in room or treatment area for safety and privacy of all patients unless visitor’s personal care is needed, i.e., food or restroom
  • Waiting room visitors may vary if patient surge or capacity issues arise, but cannot prohibit all visitors
  • Visitors may swap in and out, not to exceed maximum number allowed
  • Visitor badges will be issued to all patients and visitors upon arrival and must be visible to staff while visitor is with patient and in facility
  • Compassionate exceptions considered on an as-needed basis to support patients and families
  • 24/7

Inpatient and ICU

  • 2 visitors in semi-private and isolation rooms
  • 4 visitors in private rooms
  • If space is limited in ICU rooms, visitors may be restricted to 2
  • Visitors may swap in and out, not to exceed maximum number allowed
  • Private room: 1 overnight visitor per patient (age 18+) may be permitted to stay on site, either in the waiting room or at the bedside depending on space constraints and patient condition
  • Semi-private room: 1 overnight visitor per patient (age 18+) may stay in the waiting room
  • All overnight visitors will need a badge from the nursing station. The next morning, visitors will need a new badge of the day from the concierge desk in the hospital lobby.
  • Overnight visitors are not permitted in the 3500 Observation unit
  • 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. per day
  • Quiet hours from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. per day
Labor and Delivery
  • No limit on number or age of visitors during labor, but minors must be accompanied by adult. Those under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18+ other than the patient.
  • Only 3 visitors at bedside
  • Visitors may swap in and out, not to exceed maximum number allowed
  • Family and friends may stay overnight in the labor and delivery waiting room prior to delivery
  • The patient’s primary support person is encouraged to stay overnight in the patient’s room to provide support and care for mom and newborn
  • Medical condition of the patient (mom or baby) may require more limited visitation
  • Special visitor considerations will occur during flu season
  • 24/7 during labor and delivery, at discretion of patient
Post-Partum
  • Only 4 visitors at bedside
  • No restrictions on age, but minors must be accompanied by adult. Those under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18+ other than the patient
  • To promote rest and quality care, visiting hours may be limited
  • Visitors may swap in and out, not to exceed maximum number allowed
  • 1 overnight visitor
  • Overnight visitors must be 18 years or older and their visit must be consistent with the well-being of the patient
  • The patient’s primary support person is encouraged to stay overnight in the patient’s room to provide support and care for mom and newborn
  • Medical condition of the patient (mom or baby) may require more limited visitation
  • Special visitor considerations will occur during flu season
  • 24/7
Outpatient Surgery or Procedure
  • 2 visitors, but facility may limit visitors to 1 due to space constraints and safety considerations
  • Limited visitation is allowed in recovery rooms (exceptions may apply); staff will provide instruction
  • In pre-op (time before procedure), 1 to 2 visitors will be allowed at the discretion of the care team and may be vary based on procedure
  • Visitors may swap in and out, not to exceed maximum number allowed
  • May accompany patient to surgery or procedure and stay until patient is discharged
Clinic Visits
  • 2 visitors, but facility may limit visitors to 1 due to space constraints and safety considerations
  • Visitors may swap in and out, not to exceed maximum number allowed
  • May accompany patient to appointments, treatments, provider visits, or care planning sessions
Outpatient Visits
  • 2 visitors, but facility may limit visitors to 1 due to space constraints and safety considerations
  • Visitors may swap in and out, not to exceed maximum number allowed
  • May accompany patient in designated waiting areas
BJC Behavioral Health
  • Includes units 15300, 15400, 15500, and the Psychiatric Support Center
  • 2 visitors at a time are allowed in common area
  • Visitors are not allowed in patient rooms
  • Children under 14 are not allowed on units
  • Visiting times may be further individualized to meet the needs of the patient
  • Daily between 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
COVID-19 Patient Visits Visit bjc.org/patients-visitors/covid-19-guidance for the latest resources and information.
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General Information: 314.747.3000
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