Important Information About Visitation Guidelines

at Community Medical Center

Effective May 2, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has produced multiple waves that we are carefully responding to for the protection of our patients, visitors, and healthcare professionals, as per New Jersey Hospital Association and state recommendations.

The safety and well-being of our patients, visitors and staff is our number one priority.

All visitors are expected to adhere to the following safety protocols:

• Masks are optional except when indicated on specific units or in identified areas. We will offer you a new mask for source control or may ask you to replace your own mask with a hospital-supplied mask.
• Clean your hands before and after your visit.
• Be aware of maintaining physical distancing.

Reglas para los visitantes en español (PDF)

Please be aware of the following guidelines before visiting:

Inpatient and Critical Care Units:

• Visiting Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Two visitors are allowed at a time per patient.
• All visitors must be 18 years of age or older, limited exceptions may be approved by the care team.

Maternity (5E & 5F):

• A designated support person is allowed to stay 24/7.
• All siblings are allowed to visit during normal visitation hours (see above).
• Visitors 18 years of age or older person may visit two at a time during normal visitation hours (see above).

Labor and Delivery (5B):

• Two labor coaches and a doula are allowed if requested during labor.
• 24-hour visitation for the designated support person.

Special Care Nursery:

• Two visitors at a time.
• Grandparents and siblings three years of age and above may visit.

Emergency Department and Observation Unit on 3F:

• Two visitors per patient at a time.

Same Day Surgery, Cardiac Catheterization and Endoscopy:

• On the day of surgery and special procedures, two people can accompany the patient if it is a same-day procedure.
• Two visitors may visit with the patient before and after the procedure if they are already here as a patient.

Transitional Care Unit:

• On the Transitional Care Unit (TCU) at CMC visitors, patients and staff are still required to wear a mask while on the unit.

Extenuating Circumstances

Extenuating circumstances to the visitation guidelines and individual requests will always be considered based on the best interest and needs of the individual patient. These extenuating circumstances include but are not limited to:

• Patients on hospice or at the end of life
• Patients who are critically unstable
• Patient's formal caregiver
• Patients in need of a medical guardian or decision-maker

Safety Measures: Symptom Screening

All visitors will be screened for the following and may or may not be allowed to visit or stay based on:

• Symptom Screening
  All visitors will be asked about symptoms and if they’ve had a fever in the last 24 hours upon entering any of our facilities. If they present with cold or flu-like symptoms they will not be allowed entry into the facility as recommended by the CDC.
• COVID-19 Exposure
  If any visitor has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 10 days or has been advised to self-quarantine because of exposure to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, they will not be allowed to visit.

There is a Zero-tolerance Policy for Disrespectful Behavior

• Community Medical Center strongly believes in a culture of dignity and respect towards patients, visitors, and staff. Visitors that chose not to abide by this expectation may be asked to leave the facility.
• View Community Medical Center's Privacy and Nondiscrimination Notice

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Masks are optional except when indicated on specific units or in identified areas. When indicated, individuals may wear their own face mask/covering. If they do not have their own face mask/covering they will be provided one (no cloth masks or masks with exhalation valves are permitted).

At the time of entrance, all visitors will be provided instruction on how to wear face masks. An instruction sheet is posted throughout our facilities.

If a visitor refuses to wear a mask or other PPE as indicated, that individual will be asked to leave the facility.

* Face masks with valves will not be permitted as the valves allow unfiltered air to be released. This does not protect others from bacteria spread, per the CDC.

Prior to and During the Visit

All visitors must perform hand hygiene before visiting a patient.

Once in the hospital or facility, visitors shall remain in the patient’s room (or Emergency Department bay) as much as possible throughout the visit, except when directed by hospital or facility staff to leave during aerosol-generating procedure or other procedures in which visitors are usually asked to leave.

If an aerosol-generating procedure needs to be performed on a patient, the visitor must leave the room during the procedure and for one hour after the procedure is complete.

All visitors must comply with all reasonable requirements imposed by the hospital or facility to minimize the potential spread of infection.

Gatherings of family members, friends and other acquaintances of the patient in family lounges, waiting areas, the lobby, cafeterias or restaurants on campus is not permitted.

Keeping You and Your Loved Ones Safe

RWJBH understands that a hospitalization can be a stressful and uncertain time for many. The visitation policy reflects our commitment to addressing the needs of our patients while prioritizing the safety of all those who enter our facilities.

Our staff and physicians are here to support you and your loved ones and will take into consideration any requests that are made beyond the parameters of this policy in the best interest of the patient.

With guidance from the New Jersey Hospital Association, New Jersey Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and regional and local health departments, we are taking all the necessary steps to ensure the health, well-being and safety of our patients, our staff and the communities we serve.

When not available to visit, we encourage family members and friends to use alternative ways to interact with their loved ones, including phone calls, FaceTime, Skype and other means.

In-Room Virtual Visits

We thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.