Visitor Safety

Thank you for entrusting Hartford HealthCare with the care of your loved one — especially as we confront the COVID-19 pandemic.

Safety Guidelines — when is visiting allowed?

Our first priority is the health and safety of our patients, guests, colleagues and community. The following guidelines help us protect people and ensure a safe environment.

Visitor safety guidelines vary by location
As we respond to the coronavirus, our hospitals and healthcare facilities consider the following factors before deciding on any visitor policies:

Prevalence: The degree to which the coronavirus in present in or near a community where a facility is located. This changes and may be different for each location and region.

Distancing: Our ability to ensure that guests, using proper precautions such as face masks and hand sanitizing, are able to be spaced far enough apart to ensure appropriate physical distancing (at least 6 feet apart). Some waiting areas and public spaces are not large enough to make safe distancing possible.

Hospitalizations: The number of patients in the hospital who have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

Visitor information by hospital >>

General visitor safety guidelines for when and where visiting is allowed

• You’ll be screened for signs of illness — such as fever or symptoms associated with COVID-19.
• Visitors who have symptoms or are ill may not visit, so we can keep patients and colleagues safe. If you are sick, please call your doctor.
• Visitors must be age 16 or older.
• You will need to wear a facemask at all times when in the hospital. Please try to bring your own facemask; but if you don’t have one, we will provide one for you.
• Please practice physical distancing — maintaining a distance of 6 feet or more between other individuals.
• Please wash your hands; hand sanitizing stations and hand-wash are available.
• Patients with disabilities who receive care at a Hartford HealthCare hospital may have a designated support person present with them to support their disability needs. Learn more.
• If you would like to leave personal items for a patient, please read this information.

Support persons:

• Parents of a minor child and a support person for a patient with a disability. Patients with disabilities that may include, but not be limited to, altered mental status, physical, intellectual or cognitive disability, communication barriers or behavioral concerns, who need assistance due to the specifics of their disability, may have one designated support person with them to support their disability related needs. Support person(s) must have no symptoms and screen negative daily for COVID-19. Support persons are not considered “visitors”.
• Such designated support person may be a family member, personal care assistant, similar disability service provider, or other individual knowledgeable about the management of their care, to physically or emotionally assist them or to ensure effective communication during their stay in such Facility, provided proper precautions are taken to contain the spread of infection.
• When the period of time any such patient with disabilities will remain longer than one day, such patient or his or her family or caregiver may designate two support people, provided only one support person may be present at a time. This restriction must be explained to the patient and support person in plain terms, upon arrival or, ideally, prior to arrival. Staff should ensure that the patient or his or her family or caregiver fully understands this restriction, allowing the patient to decide who he or she wishes to identify as his or her support person.

Visitor information by hospital

Backus Hospital Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Hartford Hospital Hospital of Central Connecticut MidState Medical Center St. Vincent's Medical Center Windham Hospital Institute of Living Natchaug Rushford Senior Services

VISITORS

• General visiting hours: 12 pm to 6 pm daily

The following restrictions will be followed by area:

• Labor & Delivery: Two support persons permitted for delivery. After delivery One support person permitted 24/7 as well as one additional visitor during visitor hours. .
• Inpatient Hospital: One visitor per patient during visiting hours.
• Emergency Department: One visitor can remain with the patient throughout their ED visit. 
• Outpatient Ambulatory Services: One visitor based on accommodations.

**Exceptions may be made at the discretion of hospital leadership.

Support persons:

Patients with disabilities that may include, but not be limited to, altered mental status, physical, intellectual or cognitive disability, communication barriers or behavioral concerns, who need assistance due to the specifics of their disability, may have one designated support person with them to support their disability related needs. When the period of time of any such patient with disabilities will remain in the hospital longer than one day, such patient or his/her family or caregiver may designate up to two support people, provided only one support person may be present at a time. 

See information about Labor & Delivery/Maternity

What may I expect when visiting?

• When you enter the hospital, you'll be screened for signs of illness — such as fever or symptoms associated with COVID-19.
• Visitors who have symptoms or are ill may not visit, so we can keep patients safe.
• You will need to wear a facemask at all times when in the hospital.
• Please try to bring your own facemask; but if you don't have one, we will provide one for you.
• Please practice physical distancing — maintaining a distance of 6 feet or more between other individuals.
• Please wash your hands; hand sanitizing stations and hand-wash are available.

ENTRANCES

OPEN: Main Entrance
OPEN: Emergency Department is open 24/7 to patients and visitors of ED patients.
CLOSED: All other entrances

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VISITORS

General visiting hours (Main Campus):

• Inpatient Floors 4,5,6 and ICU - 12 pm to 8 pm daily
• Emergency Department - 24/7
• Maternity Floor 3 - one support person is allowed to be present from arrival for birth to transition home. See information about Labor & Delivery/Maternity

Visitors not allowed:

• Visitors are currently NOT allowed in the 7th Behavioral Health Unit. Limited clinical exceptions may be made per the medical provider.

Note the following restrictions:

• There is no time limit or visitor limit for patients, however, clinical discretion remains in place.
• Patients with disabilities who receive care may also have a designated support person present with them to support their disability needs.
• One escort may accompany a patient for surgical/procedural, laboratory and blood drawing, radiology services and outpatient physician office visits to the Hospital Building.
• Visitors/escorts must wear facemasks and pass a screening for symptoms.
• If you are sick, please do not visit, and call your doctor.

ENTRANCES

Entering the Hospital (Main Campus)

• All visitors are asked to enter the Hospital through the main entrance weekdays Noon-5pm and through the Emergency Department weekdays 5pm-8pm.

Winsted Emergency Department

• 80 South Main Street, Winsted, Open daily 9am to 9 pm.

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VISITORS

• General Visiting Hours: Noon-8 pm, daily.
• Emergency Department: One visitor allowed, based on accommodations.
• One visitor at a time allowed during approved visitor hours.
• Only one visitor per room at a time (semi private rooms will need coordination).
• Visits should be brief-recommended to be less than 30 minutes.
• No visitors for COVID positive patients or patients under suspicion for COVID diagnosis.
• No visitors under 16.

The following restrictions will be followed by area:

• Labor & Delivery/Maternity: One designated support person may remain with you during the entire hospital stay.
• Inpatient Hospital: Visiting hours are 12 Noon - 8 pm. One visitor at a time.
• Outpatient Ambulatory Services: One visitor/escort may wait in appropriate lounge, if space permits. Please check with your hospital team for individualized instructions.
• Outpatient Services: Drop off and pick up only with exceptions for designated support person and patients who are minors.
• Oncology Outpatient (infusion, radiation/medical oncology): No visitors.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hartford Hospital Maternity Update

See more information about Labor & Delivery/Maternity

*Exceptions may be made at the discretion of hospital leadership.

Additional Restrictions/Information:

• Any visitor/escort who has traveled to one of the CT travel advisory listed states will need to provide proof of a negative test within the past 72 hours of first visit or proof of quarantine for 14 days upon arrival into the state of Connecticut.
• All visitors will be screened upon entry for symptoms of illness. Visitors will not be allowed to stay if the health screening shows signs of illness.
• All Visitors will be required to provide proof of a valid government issued ID to enter.
• Visitors are asked NOT to visit the hospital if they are ill or have symptoms of cold or flu.
• Visitors will be required to wear masks at all times while they are in the hospital and maintain social distancing.
• No visitors under age of 16 are allowed.
• Visitors are asked to be considerate of time spent during visits in semi-private rooms.
• If a patient with a cognitive impairment or disability requires assistance and the hospital cannot otherwise provide, one consistent support person may be permitted to assist in accessing care at all times.
• If nursing staff deems it clinically/psychologically beneficial, one visitor may stay with any patient for support.
• End of Life or Comfort Measures: Patient visitors limited to immediate family (spouse, significant other, children, parents, grandparents, grandchildren) and the legally authorized representative (if not a family member) regardless of COVID status. Up to two visitors at a time are allowed.

ENTRANCES

CLOSED: The Conklin Building Entrance will be closed. Visitors will be directed to the main, front entrance.
CLOSED: Access to the hospital through the Cancer Center will be closed. The Cancer Center entrance will be for Cancer Center patients only.
OPEN: The following entrances will remain open with screening kiosks for visitors and vendors:

• Main entrance
• Jefferson Building entrance
• Bone & Joint entrance
• Donnelly Building entrance
• Emergency Department entrance will remain open 24 hours a day
• Maternity: All maternity patients should use the Emergency Department entrance which is open 24 hours/7 days a week. Take the dedicated Labor & Delivery elevator to the 6th floor. A screening process will take place either in the Emergency Department or when you arrive on the 6th floor. Learn more.

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VISITORS

• General Visiting Hours: 10 am–12 pm and 4-8 pm, daily.

The following restrictions will be followed by area:

• Emergency Department: One visitor allowed based on accommodations.
• Labor & Delivery: One support person.
• Inpatient Hospital: One visitor at a time per room.
• NICU: One visitor at a time from a pre-approved list.
• Outpatient Ambulatory Services: One visitor/escort based on space and accommodations.
• Outpatient Services (procedural and radiology): One visitor/escort must wait in lobby or Galleria.
• Oncology Outpatient (infusion, radiation/medical oncology): No visitors.

See information about Labor & Delivery/Maternity

*Exceptions will be made at the discretion of hospital leadership.

Additional Restrictions/Information:

• All visitors will be screened upon entry for symptoms of illness. Visitors will not be allowed to stay if the health screening shows signs of illness.
• Visitors are asked NOT to visit the hospital if they are ill or have symptoms of cold or flu.
• Visitors will be required to wear masks at all times while they are in the hospital and maintain social distancing.
• No visitors under age of 16 are allowed.
• Patients on droplet isolation will not be allowed visitors at this time but arrangements can be made for virtual visitation.
• Visitors are asked to be considerate of time spent during visits in semi-private rooms.
• If a patient with a cognitive impairment or disability requires assistance and the hospital cannot otherwise provide, one consistent support person may be permitted to assist in accessing care at all times.
• If nursing staff deems it clinically/psychologically beneficial, one visitor may stay with any patient for support.

ENTRANCES

The Hospital of Central Connecticut (New Britain campus)
CLOSED: Griswold Street courtyard entrance (entrance to Davita Kidney Care & Quest Diagnostics) – use main lobby
OPEN: The main entrance will remain open
OPEN: Emergency Department entrance will remain open 24 hours a day.

The Hospital of Central Connecticut (Bradley Memorial campus)
CLOSED: South administrative entrance shared by Southington Surgery Center
OPEN: The main entrance will remain open for patient visitation, outpatient, and Southington Surgery Center appointments
OPEN: Emergency Department entrance will remain open 24 hours a day.

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VISITORS

• General Visiting Hours: 10 am–12 pm and 4-8 pm, daily.

The following restrictions will be followed by area:

• Emergency Department: One visitor allowed based on accommodations.
• Labor & Delivery: One support person.
• Inpatient Hospital: One visitor at a time per room.
• NICU: One visitor at a time from a pre-approved list.
• Outpatient Ambulatory Services: One visitor/escort based on space and accommodations.
• Outpatient Services (procedural and radiology): One visitor/escort must wait in lobby or Galleria.
• Oncology Outpatient (infusion, radiation/medical oncology): No visitors.

See information about Labor & Delivery/Maternity

*Exceptions will be made at the discretion of hospital leadership.

Additional Restrictions/Information:

• All visitors will be screened upon entry for symptoms of illness. Visitors will not be allowed to stay if the health screening shows signs of illness.
• Visitors are asked NOT to visit the hospital if they are ill or have symptoms of cold or flu.
• Visitors will be required to wear masks at all times while they are in the hospital and maintain social distancing.
• No visitors under age of 16 are allowed.
• Patients on droplet isolation will not be allowed visitors at this time but arrangements can be made for virtual visitation.
• Visitors are asked to be considerate of time spent during visits in semi-private rooms.
• If a patient with a cognitive impairment or disability requires assistance and the hospital cannot otherwise provide, one consistent support person may be permitted to assist in accessing care at all times.
• If nursing staff deems it clinically/psychologically beneficial, one visitor may stay with any patient for support.

ENTRANCES

MidState Medical Center
CLOSED: Medical Office Building entrance
CLOSED: Pavilion D entrance (which accesses Cancer Center)
CLOSED: Digestive Health entrance
OPEN: The main lobby entrance will remain open
OPEN: Emergency Department entrance will remain open 24 hours a day.

CT Orthopaedic Institute (COI)
OPEN: COI entrance will be open from 5:30 am to 12:30 pm Monday to Friday

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VISITORS

• Emergency Room
  - 1 designated visitor can remain with the patient throughout their ED visit
  - Visitors for Covid +/Persons under Investigation (PUI) are restricted
• Emergency Room-Behavioral Health
  - Restricted. Special needs or parents of minors are permitted
• Emergency Room Observation (Covid +)
  - Restricted.
• Levels 10, 9 South, 8 , 7, 6
  - One visitor per day between 8am-8pm
• Level 5 Family Birthing Center
  - 1 designated support person can be with mom throughout hospital stay. NICU parents may visit their infant 24 hours a day. See more information about Labor & Delivery/Maternity
• Cancer Center
  - One visitor allowed if the criteria for support person is met
• Surgery
  - 1 visitor allowed at drop-off
  - 1 visitor allowed in the Recovery room Waiting room capacity is limited. Please return to the Medical Center when advised by the care team.

Support persons:

• Parents of a minor child and a support person for a patient with a disability. Patients with disabilities that may include, but not be limited to, altered mental status, physical, intellectual or cognitive disability, communication barriers or behavioral concerns, who need assistance due to the specifics of their disability, may have one designated support person with them to support their disability related needs.

Escorts are allowed:

• Escorts can accompany patients for surgical/procedural, lab draw, radiology and physician office visits.

Visitor/Escort Guidelines:

• Visitors/Escorts will be screened for signs of illness — such as fever or symptoms associated with COVID-19.
• Visitors/Escorts who have symptoms or are ill may not visit, so we can keep patients safe.
• Visitors/Escorts will need to wear a facemask at all times when in the hospital.
• Visitors/Escorts will practice physical distancing — maintaining a distance of 6 feet or more between other individuals.
• Visitors will wash their hands; hand sanitizing stations and hand-wash are available.

*Please note that visitor exceptions may be made at the discretion of clinical leadership. Visitors for Covid +/PUI are allowed visitation in certain situations at the discretion of clinical leadership.

ENTRANCES

OPEN: Main Entrance
OPEN: Emergency Department is open 24/7 to patients and visitors of ED patients.
CLOSED: All other entrances

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VISITORS

• General visiting hours: 12 pm to 8 pm daily

The following restrictions will be followed by area:

• Inpatient Hospital: Two visitors per patient during visiting hours. 
• Emergency Department: Two visitors allowed can remain with the patient throughout their ED visit. 
• Surgery: Two patients allowed at a time during visiting hours. 
• Outpatient Ambulatory Services: One visitor based on accommodations.

*All exceptions including parents of a minor child and a support person for a patient with a disability and COVID,PUI visitors must be approved by the VP of Patient Care Services.

Support persons:

Parents of a minor child and a support person for a patient with a disability. Patients with disabilities that may include, but not be limited to, altered mental status, physical, intellectual or cognitive disability, communication barriers or behavioral concerns, who need assistance due to the specifics of their disability, may have one designated support person with them to support their disability related needs.

What may I expect when visiting?

• When you enter the hospital, you'll be screened for signs of illness — such as fever or symptoms associated with COVID-19.
• Visitors who have symptoms or are ill may not visit, so we can keep patients safe.
• You will need to wear a facemask at all times when in the hospital.
• Please try to bring your own facemask; but if you don't have one, we will provide one for you.
• Please practice physical distancing — maintaining a distance of 6 feet or more between other individuals.
• Please wash your hands; hand sanitizing stations and hand-wash are available.

ENTRANCES

OPEN: Shea Entrance
OPEN: Emergency Department is open 24/7 to patients and visitors of ED patients.
CLOSED: All other entrances

VISITORS

• Due to COVID-19, visitation is not permitted.
• Upon review by the clinical team, exceptions may be made for family meetings and other clinical situations.

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Mansfield campus

   VISITORS

• Due to COVID-19, visitation is not permitted

  Where is visiting allowed?

  Please note that exceptions may be made at the discretion of clinical leadership.

  Where is visiting currently restricted?

  • Most inpatient and outpatient locations

  What may I expect when visiting?

  • When you enter the hospital, you'll be screened for signs of illness — such as fever or symptoms associated with COVID-19.
  • Visitors who have symptoms or are ill may not visit, so we can keep patients safe.
  • You will need to wear a facemask at all times when in the hospital.
  • Please try to bring your own facemask; but if you don't have one, we will provide one for you.
  • Please practice physical distancing — maintaining a distance of 6 feet or more between other individuals.
  • Please wash your hands; hand sanitizing stations and hand-wash are available. 

   ENTRANCES

• All visitors, volunteers, and vendors are required to use the main entrance as the sole entry point to the hospital.

Journey House

   VISITORS

• Due to COVID-19, visitation is not permitted

  Please note that exceptions may be made at the discretion of clinical leadership.

  Where is visiting currently restricted?

  • Most inpatient and outpatient locations

  What may I expect when visiting?

  • When you enter, you'll be screened for signs of illness — such as fever or symptoms associated with COVID-19.
  • Visitors who have symptoms or are ill may not visit, so we can keep patients safe.
  • You will need to wear a facemask at all times.
  • Please try to bring your own facemask; but if you don't have one, we will provide one for you.
  • Please practice physical distancing — maintaining a distance of 6 feet or more between other individuals.
  • Please wash your hands; hand sanitizing stations and hand-wash are available. 

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VISITORS

Rushford at Middletown Intensive Treatment Program

• Visiting hours are suspended.
• See general visitor restrictions here.

Rushford at Stonehaven

• Visiting hours are suspended.
• See general visitor restrictions here.

Rushford at Stonegate/Rushford Academy

• Visiting hours are suspended.
• See general visitor restrictions here.

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VISITORS

Due to COVID-19, please contact the individual community to learn more about current visitation policies:

• Arbor Rose at Jerome Home: 860.229.3707
• Cedar Mountain Commons: 860.665.7901
• The Orchards at Southington: 860.628.5656
• Mulberry Gardens of Southington: 860.276.1020
• Jefferson House: 860.667.4453
• Jerome Home: 860.229.3707
• Southington Care Center: 860.621.9559

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Questions about the coronavirus? Need Emotional Support?

Sometimes people need a bit of emotional support. You can get that assistance by calling Hartford HealthCare’s Community Care Center hotline. Experts from our Behavioral Health Network are available to help with managing feelings and emotions, mental health concerns, substance use issues, and any medical issues and concerns about COVID-19. They may also help schedule follow up appointments, if needed.

Learn more at hhcbehavioralhealth.org/support

Not feeling well? Schedule a Virtual Visit

Virtual Health, also known as telehealth or telemedicine, is a convenient option for many patients and a variety of conditions. Hartford HealthCare is committed to keeping our patients and providers connected now and in the future.

Learn more at hartfordhealthcare.org/virtualhealth