Temporary Visitor Restrictions at Baptist Health Richmond
Page updated 11/7/2022
When Visiting a Baptist Health Facility:
To protect the health of our patients and community, anyone entering a Baptist Health facility will now be asked to complete an electronic COVID-19 screening form. This form can be found here and will provide you with next steps depending upon your screening status. This screening tool should not be used by Baptist Health employees reporting to work. This tool also does not store data. Thank you for partnering with us to support the health and wellbeing of our patients, visitors, staff, and community.
Visitor Guidelines – Effective September 15, 2022
Visitor restrictions are in place to protect the patients and staff of Baptist Health Richmond during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some site-specific variations will be communicated locally based on physical restrictions of waiting space or clinic space.
- Full COVID vaccination is highly recommended for all visitors.
- Visitors will be self-screen for symptoms of COVID-19.
- Visitors and patients must wear a medical grade mask while on hospital property, including in the patient room.
- Even if a visitor has been cleared for entry, this does not guarantee they will be allowed to stay if another designated visitor is already present.
- Overnight visitors are not permitted at this time.
- This policy will be enforced consistently regardless of any pre-communicated visitation expectations or as guidelines change.
- No one under the age of 18 is permitted to visit.
Visiting Hours
- 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; 7 days a week
- Monday - Friday, Visitors will enter through the South Entrance.
- Saturday - Sunday, Visitors will enter through the South Entrance.
- Exceptions to be made for:
- One parent or guardian for a patient under the age of 18.
- One caretaker for a completely dependent patient.
No Visitation for the following:
- All patients diagnosed with COVID-19 or patients with suspected COVID-19.
- Outpatient diagnostic and screening procedures (Lab, Imaging) (exceptions include dependent patients and children under the age of 18).
- Outpatient Oncology (exceptions include dependent patients, children under the age of 18, and end of life situations).
Emergency Department
- Patients are allowed one visitor. Patients under the age of 18 may have both parents or guardians accompany them. Visitors must remain in the patient’s room and wear a medical grade mask at all times.
Inpatients (Non-COVID) (patients admitted or currently in a hospital room)
- Patients may have two visitors at a time during visiting hours from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Surgery/CVOU/Cath Lab
- Patients may have one visitor.
Labor & Delivery
- All patients in active labor may have two support persons, at the discretion of the patient, and are expected to remain for the entire duration of the delivery.
- Patients not in active labor may have one support person.
Women’s Care Center (2nd floor)
- OB patients may have one support person and they are expected to remain for the entire stay. Inpatients (Non-COVID) admitted to this floor may have one visitor at a time from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Visitor Requirements:
- 18 years of age or older.
- Must wear a medical grade mask at all times.
- Will need to stay in designated room or location.
- Cannot congregate in waiting rooms or hallways.
- Must wait in a vehicle if physical distancing cannot be maintained.
WHY: To protect our most vulnerable loved ones and staff from the COVID-19 virus. We understand these temporary restrictions may be difficult for patients and their loved ones, but we are taking these steps to protect our patients and our staff. We welcome the use of electronic communication on the patient’s personal device.
Patient and Visitor Infection Prevention
Mask Instructions
For everyone's safety, visitors are expected to comply with our universal masking policy during the entire visit.
- Clean hands before touching/putting on the mask.
- Mask has a front, back, top and bottom.
- Front of mask "folds" point down and may be colored. The front should face away from you.
- The top of the mask has a wire which molds over the bridge of the nose.
- Fit mask to cover face (nose and mouth).
- Wear mask upon entry to the facility and remove the mask after leaving the facility. Clean hands.
- Do not touch the mask while it is on your face.
- Mask should always cover nose and mouth and should never be pulled under the chin.
Keep Hands Clean
- Clean hands frequently. If washing with soap and water, wash your hands for 20 seconds or more, making sure to get under your nails.
- Clean your hands when entering a patient's room, before touching a patient and before you leave the patient's room.
- Clean hands before touching eyes, nose, or mouth and before eating.
- Clean hands after using the bathroom, blowing nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Clean hands after touching frequently touched surfaces (door handles, elevator buttons, bed rails, light switches, etc.)
To download a printable version of the Patient and Visitor Infection Prevention click here.