Health to Human International Medical Center (Healthuma)
Visitation Guidelines
Last Updated: 04/09/2025
Policy Owner: Office of Patient Experience
1.0 Philosophy and Purpose
At Health to Human International Medical Center (Healthuma), we recognize the vital role that family and loved ones play in a patient's healing and well-being. Our visitation guidelines are designed to balance the patient's need for rest and care with the benefits of family support and social interaction.
These guidelines are established to:
Promote a patient-centered healing environment.
Ensure the safety and privacy of all patients, visitors, and staff.
Provide flexibility to accommodate diverse patient needs and circumstances.
Provide clarity and consistency for visitors and our care teams.
We are committed to being as flexible as possible while maintaining a safe and clinical appropriate environment.
2.0 General Visitation Principles
Patient-Centered Care: The patient's condition, rest needs, and preferences are the primary factors in determining appropriate visitation. The clinical care team has the ultimate responsibility to modify visits to ensure optimal patient care and recovery.
Flexibility: Visitation may be adjusted based on unit activity, patient volume, and infection control considerations.
Safety & Security: All visitors must comply with Healthuma's safety, security, and confidentiality policies.
3.0 General Visiting Hours
Standard Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
All visitors must check-in at the main information desk or the nursing station on the patient's unit. A government-issued photo ID may be required for check-in. Visitors will receive a dated pass that must be visible at all times.
4.0 Unit-Specific Guidelines
Specific units have tailored guidelines to meet unique patient care needs.
4.1 Intensive Care Units (ICU, CCU, CTICU)
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM. These structured hours allow for dedicated time during shift changes (6:30 PM - 7:30 PM) where visitation is limited to ensure patient privacy and thorough communication between clinical teams.
Number of Visitors: Two visitors at a time at the bedside.
Special Considerations: Visits may be limited in duration during critical procedures. Children under 12 are generally not permitted; exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the charge nurse.
4.2 Labor & Delivery / Maternity
Visiting Hours: 24 hours a day for one designated support person (e.g., partner, coach, doula). This person may stay overnight.
General Visitors: During standard visiting hours (8am-8pm), up to two additional visitors are permitted at a time.
Sibling Visitation: Siblings of the newborn are welcome when accompanied by an adult. They must be free from contagious illnesses (no fever, cough, cold, etc.).
4.3 Pediatrics
Visiting Hours: 24 hours a day for parents or legal guardians. One parent/guardian is encouraged to stay overnight.
Sibling & Other Visitors: Siblings and other visitors are welcome during standard visiting hours if they are healthy. All child visitors must be accompanied by an adult and should be up-to-date on vaccinations.
Number of Visitors: To avoid overwhelming the patient, a maximum of four visitors (including parents) at the bedside is recommended.
4.4 Behavioral Health Unit
Visiting Hours: Visitation is a structured part of therapy. Hours are typically limited to specific periods, such as 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on weekends.
Registration Required: All visitors must be pre-approved by the patient's treatment team and must register with the unit secretary.
Items: All items brought for a patient must be checked by unit staff. Certain items may be restricted for patient safety.
4.5 Emergency Department
Visiting Hours: At the discretion of the clinical team based on the patient's condition and department activity.
Number of Visitors: Generally, one visitor per patient is allowed at the bedside to assist with history and provide support. During critical resuscitation or procedures, visitors may be asked to wait in the designated waiting area.
5.0 Guidelines for All Visitors
To ensure a safe environment, all visitors are expected to adhere to the following:
Health Screening: Do not visit if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, rash, diarrhea, or vomiting. If you have been exposed to a communicable disease (e.g., COVID-19, chickenpox, flu), please postpone your visit.
Check-In: Always check-in at the front desk or nursing station. Be prepared to provide the name of the patient you are visiting.
Respect Patient Privacy: Visitors may be asked to step out of the room during physician rounds, nursing report, or when care is being provided.
Supervise Children: Children must be under adult supervision at all times. The supervising adult cannot be the patient.
Noise Consideration: Please speak quietly and set electronic devices to silent mode to maintain a peaceful environment.
Prohibited Items: For safety reasons, the following are not permitted:
Weapons of any kind.
Alcohol or illegal drugs.
Latex balloons (due to allergies). Mylar balloons are permitted.
Flowers are not allowed in the ICU.
6.0 Overnight Visitors
Overnight stays are permitted under specific conditions:
Only one adult (18+ years old) visitor per patient may stay overnight.
Overnight stays are only permitted in private patient rooms.
Approval from the patient's nurse or charge nurse is required.
The overnight visitor must adhere to all hospital policies and is expected to remain in the patient's room.
7.0 Flexibility and Exceptions
We understand that every situation is unique. Exceptions to these guidelines may be made for:
Patients at the end of life.
Patients with specific cognitive or physical impairments (e.g., dementia, autism) for whom a familiar companion is essential to their care.
Parents/guardians of pediatric patients.
One essential support person for a patient in labor.
Other extenuating circumstances as determined by the clinical care team or hospital leadership.
Please discuss any need for an exception with the patient's nurse or the unit's charge nurse.
8.0 Compliance
The health and safety of our patients and staff is our highest priority. Healthuma staff and security are empowered to manage visitation for the well-being of all. Visitors who do not comply with these guidelines, or who disrupt the healing environment, may be asked to leave.
For questions about visitation, please contact the nursing station on the patient's unit or the Office of Patient Experience at info@healthuma.com.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us provide a safe and supportive environment for our patients at Healthuma.