Visiting a Patient

Contact a Patient
By Mail, Phone or eCard

Visitation Policy

UVA Medical Center does not restrict, limit or otherwise deny visitation privileges on the basis of race, age, color, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or gender expression.

Visiting a Patient: Hospital Guidelines

Please follow these guidelines when visiting a patient.

  • Wash your hands 
  • Don't visit if you're sick 
  • Wear a pass, available at the information desk
  • Limit visitors to two people at a time
visiting the hospital

Become a Care Partner

Want to give more support? Patients can designate people to be care partners, active members of their healthcare team. As a care partner, you get a special security code, to help keep others informed about the patient's condition and more.

Learn How

When Should I Not Visit a Patient?

Please do not come to the hospital unless you are feeling well. Wash your hands before and after visiting a patient. Read and follow any signs posted outside the patient room.

Help us keep your loved one and the other patients healthy: 

  • Keep germs from spreading by washing your hands and asking healthcare providers to wash their hands before and after spending time with the patient.
  • If you are sick, please do not come to the hospital.

Please avoid visiting patients if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Runny nose
  • Headache
  • Body aches
  • Sneezing
  • Cough
  • Sore throat

At the Bedside

Allow the healthcare team to be able to access all sides of the bed at any time. One person may stay at the bedside overnight. We offer earplugs and other ways to promote sleep.

Do not feed the patient unless you have checked with staff first.

Children

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Cell Phones

Cell phones can only be used near the main elevators and in the public areas on the first floor of the hospital.

Noise

Please respect the privacy and comfort of our patients. Keep your voice and TV volumes low to allow for patient rest. We observe a quiet time daily from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Hospital Access When It's Late: Between 9 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Care Partners and visitors should enter the hospital through the Emergency Department and stop at the security desk. A special pass or Care Partner band must be worn at all times while in the hospital.

Security

Visitors who go above the first floor of the hospital must wear a pass, available from the Hospital Information Desk. After 9 p.m., visitors should acquire a pass and information about visiting at night from the the security desk in the Emergency Department. This helps us know who is in the hospital after hours.

Taking Care of Yourself

Feel free to take breaks and use the family lounges located on each floor. Make sure to rest, eat and unwind.

Showers

Shower options, with towels and other supplies, include:

  • The Hospitality House, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Ronald McDonald House, from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. (for pediatric patient care partners)
  • The 3West Shower, room 3842, available 24/7 (see 3West staff first)

Bathrooms

Use the restrooms in the main hallways, not in the patient's room.

Lounges

Family visitor lounges are available near our patient units for your comfort. A telephone and computer is available in each lounge. Learn more about internet access and other hospital amenities.

Smoking

No smoking is allowed. Have a look at the map of our smoke-free zone and find out how to get resources to help you stop smoking.