NICU
Parents and grandparents may visit at any time during visiting hours, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Exceptions depend on the unit activities. If the above are unable to visit, a named support person may visit at the parent's discretion during the mother's hospitalization.
If the parents are not married, the father has the same visitation rights as the mother, if the mother has acknowledged the man as the father of the baby.
With the exception of grandparents, a parent must accompany all visitors.
Children must be age 14 or over. For exceptions see Sibling Guidelines.
Parents and grandparents must present a photo ID with each visit.
All visitors must wash from their hands to their elbows for three minutes upon entering the NICU and prior to entering patient rooms.
Information regarding the infant's condition will only be given to parents in respect of confidentiality. Parents will be provided with a code in order to obtain information via the telephone.
All visitors are to remain in their infant's room while visiting.
Any visitor with fever, diarrhea, respiratory infection, or cold sores may not visit. If the mother's health status is of concern, all questions should be discussed with the staff.
In an effort to decrease the spread of infection visitors are not allowed to use NICU telephones. Telephones are located in the hospital lobby for your convenience. Cell phones are prohibited in patient rooms.
With the exception of water, food and beverages are not allowed in patient rooms.
Taking pictures and/or video recording is limited to your infant(s).
Hospital equipment, personnel, and/or other patients is prohibited. The NICU staff and/or physician may request that photographing and/or recording be discontinued at any time.
Willis-Knighton Center for Women’s Health or its employees may not be held responsible or liable for loss or damage to personal belongings.
Sibling Visitation Guidelines
Siblings over the age of three may visit as requested by parents.
Aunts and uncles under the age of 14 must follow the sibling visitation guidelines.
An immunization record including documentation of the chicken pox vaccine must be up to date.
Children must have had the chicken pox or the vaccine six (6) weeks prior to visiting.
Children must have their temperature taken prior to each visit and it must be less than 100 degrees orally or 99 degrees axillary.
Children should not be left unattended. All children should be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult whose primary responsibility is to the child and can leave with the child if this becomes necessary.
Length of visits by children will be left to the discretion of parents and the nursing staff.
Parent(s) will sign the Visitation Policy acknowledging their understanding. The copy containing parental signature will be placed on the infant's chart. An unsigned copy will be given to the parents for reference.