Rhode Island Hospital, its Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and The Miriam Hospital have implemented changes to their visitation policies, consistent with recent guidance from the Rhode Island Department of Public Health. The policy changes now in effect include allowing more visitors and longer visits, and reopening hospital cafeterias to visitors.
All visitors must be at least 18 years old and will be screened for symptoms and possible exposure upon entry. All visitors are still required to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth regardless of their vaccination status, per the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Rhode Island Department of Health guidelines. Visitors will be given a hospital-approved mask to wear in place of, or in addition to, their own mask.
In order to keep patients, staff and visitors safe during the ongoing pandemic, the following policies are now in place for visitors and support persons at Rhode Island Hospital, its Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and The Miriam Hospital (access may be limited in instances where social distancing guidelines cannot be met):
- General adult visitation (medical, surgical, step-down and ICU units): At Rhode Island Hospital visitation hours are 2 – 7 p.m.; patients may identify up to four visitors for the duration of their stay and two of those four may enter at a time. At The Miriam Hospital visitation hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., and patients may have up to two visitors at a time. There is still no visitation for any COVID-positive patients, except under special circumstances and at end of life.
- Pediatrics (Hasbro Children’s Hospital): Two caregivers are allowed for the entire stay, with both allowed at the bedside 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and one caregiver may stay overnight. Two additional visitors, for a total of four per child and a maximum of two at a time, may visit during the designated hours.
- Behavioral health units (both adult and pediatric): Hours are 4-6 p.m. Two visitors may be identified for the duration of the visit; one may enter at a time.
- End-of-life visitation: For all patients being cared for at end-of-life, up to four visitors at a time will be allowed. There is no time limit on the visit. Additional visitors may enter in groups no larger than four.
- Emergency departments: Family members/escorts are permitted during the intake process, as necessary for patient care – one at The Miriam Hospital and two at Rhode Island Hospital. Pediatric emergency department patients are permitted two parents/caregivers/guardians to stay for the entire emergency visit.
- Diagnostic / Ambulatory and Outpatient Settings: Up to two visitor/escort or support persons per patient are allowed, at the discretion of the patient’s care team, for outpatient/ambulatory appointments or procedures.
Detailed visitor guidelines for all Lifespan locations are available online.