Hanover Hospital Enacts New Visitor Policy in Maternity Center and Pediatrics

Officials at Hanover Hospital announced that in continuing efforts to improve the Environment of Care for the safety and security of patients, staff and visitors, several
additions have been made to the hospital's policy regarding Visiting Hours Regulations and After Hours Passes.

According to Joe Bellino, Director of Safety & Security, effective April 2nd, visitor passes will now be needed at all times for visitors to the Maternity Center and Pediatrics Department, which will be accessible by card access only at all times. Visitors will be required to sign in at the Information Desk in the hospital lobby, where a pass will be issued. Bellino explained that the new policy is being enacted because "it is the right thing to do for our patients and children for their safety and protection."

As is the current practice, all after-hour visitors will be required to sign in with Security at the ED walk-in entrance who will contact the appropriate patient unit for visitor clearance. Visitors will be issued a visitor pass that must be displayed at all times while visiting.

Hospital visitor policies are put in place to allow patients to receive necessary care and rest, and so their care can be provided in an efficient manner. Visits should be kept brief,
ideally limited to 15 minutes, and visitors must be at least 12 years of age unless otherwise noted.

Visitors are also asked to observe the visiting hours and limitations set for specific areas:

Hospital                    11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Critical Care Area    11:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.
                                  2:00 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.
                                  7:00 p.m. – 7:20 p.m.

Restricted to immediate family and clergy.  Emergency Dept. Two visitors only CARM (Acute Rehab) 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Children accompanied by adult may visit. The number of visitors will not be restricted. Maternity Card Access at all times.
Except for siblings, no visitors under 12 years of age.
Visitor passes required.

Pediatrics Card Access at all times. Except for siblings, no visitors under 12 years of age, and accompanied by an adult.
Visitor passes required. The visiting hours for each unit are appropriate to the needs of its patients, and are subject to restriction by the patient's physician.