The health and safety of our patients, families, team members, and physicians are always our highest priority. We also recognize how important it is for patients to have support during their hospital stay and welcome care partners and visitors.
We have implemented general guidelines for visiting hospitalized patients (inpatient visitation) and special guidelines for some specific locations as indicated below.
Please be aware that visitation is always at the discretion of Bayhealth and the patient care team. We may need to limit or restrict visitors to protect the health, privacy and safety of a patient. Unit leadership may approve exceptions to age, hours and number of visitors during special circumstances such as end-of-life. If you have any questions or special requests, please discuss them with the patient’s care team prior to visiting.
Inpatient Visitation - Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus and Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus
-
Visiting hours are from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
-
Children of any age may visit, provided minors under 16 are accompanied by an adult.
-
Patients may receive a maximum of two visitors at the same time during visiting hours. This includes the care partner and one other visitor. The visitors, including the care partner, can switch out. Minors are not counted toward this two-visitor limit, offering more flexibility for families.
-
Don’t enter our facilities if you’re sick or if you have been exposed to someone who is, unless you’re a patient seeking care.
-
All patients will be allowed one designated care partner with 24/7 access to visit.
-
All care partners and visitors are required to check in at the front desk—all visitors must show ID and receive a visitor badge. They must keep their visitor badge on at all times and must check out at the front desk before leaving.
-
Always follow the guidance posted outside the patient’s room if the patient is on isolation precautions.
Labor and Delivery/Women's Services
-
During the labor process and for two hours after delivery, a care partner and one other person may be with the patient. A certified doula may also be present as the third person.
-
Once the labor and delivery process and the recovery is complete, the care partner/significant other will not count as a visitor allowing for three people in the room.
-
Sibling visitation is allowed daily from 5-8 p.m., regardless of age. They are not counted in the visitation numbers.
Special Care Nursery
-
Allows unrestricted visitation for up to two designed care partners - see special care nursery team members for more information.
Pediatrics
-
Allows two designated care partners over the age of 18 unless parent or guardian, to stay overnight with the pediatric patient.
-
Four additional visitors may be named by the family and must be 18 years of age or older.
-
Sibling visitation is allowed daily from 5-8 p.m., regardless of age. They are not counted in the visitation numbers.
Cancer Care
-
Patients receiving infusions in Medical Oncology will be limited to one visitor.
Emergency Departments
(Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus; Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus; Bayhealth Emergency Center, Smyrna and Bayhealth Emergency and Urgent Care Center, Total Care - Milton)
-
All patients will be allowed two visitors in the patient care area with 24/7 access to visit.
Same-Day Procedure and Testing Waiting Areas
-
All patients will be allowed two visitors in the waiting areas for testing and same-day procedures, such as surgery, endoscopy, catheterization (cath lab), and diagnostic imaging, for the entirety of the test or procedure.
-
Visitation with the patient will be determined by the perioperative team.
Outpatient locations and medical practices
-
All patients will be allowed to have two visitors during appointments.