Visiting Hours and Policies

AS OF MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020, WE ARE WELCOMING VISITORS BACK

We know your loved ones play a vital role in your care journey. We are eager to welcome back visitors and help create a more healing environment for all.

Effective Monday, June 15, 2020, Baystate Health is updating its visitor policy. Please note that there are restrictions to our visitation policy which are necessary to protect the health and safety of our patients and staff.

Visitors who do not follow these guidelines will be asked to leave the building.

Updated Visitor Policy

Visiting Patients in Baystate Health Hospitals

1 visitor is allowed per patient at time, including 1 parent/guardians of patients within Baystate Children's Hospital. No visitors are allowed in our emergency departments.

We make the following exceptions for certain patients in our hospitals and emergency departments:

For our OB patients who are in labor: 1 birthing partner or 1 visitor at a time
For our hospice patients and our end-of-life patients: 1 clergy member + 1 visitor
For our patients with disabilities such as physical, cognitive, etc.: 1 companion + 1 visitor
Attorneys of patients: 1 attorney + 1 visitor

Employees may also be visitors, and must follow these same guidelines.

COVID-19 Patient Visitor Policy

No visitors for COVID-19 positive patients (or patients awaiting COVID test results) are allowed at this time. Exceptions for these patients include:

1 parent or guardian may visit patients under 18.
1 birthing partner is allowed for OB patients who are in labor.
1 person +1 clergy member per day may visit hospice patients and our end-of-life patients.
1 companion may visit patients who are intellectually/physically disabled.

Behavioral Health Units

Visitation takes place in unit common areas by appointment.

Visitors at Outpatient Services

Visitors cannot accompany patients for any outpatient appointments.

Exceptions are as follows and are at the discretion of Baystate Health:

1 parent/guardian for patients 18 years old or younger or for adult patients with legal guardians.
Both parents/guardians are allowed to accompany intellectually/physically disabled patients.

See our tips for staying connected even when you can't visit.

What to Expect When Visiting

What are the screening procedures for visitors?

All visitors will be screened and must be free of any COVID-19 symptoms.

If you have positive symptoms, you will not be allowed into the building. Please contact your primary care doctor or an urgent care center for a testing referral.

What is the mask requirement in Baystate Health buildings?

Visitors are required to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth at all times while in a Baystate Health facility, even when they are in a patient’s room.

If you do not have a mask, you will be given one during the screening process.

According to the Department of Public Health (DPH) guidance, there may be a rare occasion where a visitor absolutely cannot tolerate wearing a mask. The hospital may review such instances on a case by case basis and allow visitation providing the visitor is appropriately screened, and practices social distancing.

Visitors who are unwilling or unable to comply with the mask requirement will not be allowed to enter or remain in the building

Where should I park? Are valet services available?

Baystate Medical Center and Baystate Children's Hospital

Valet service will re-open in phases beginning June 15th. Valet hours are 10 am – 6 pm.

Daly Valet: Began June 15th
Wesson Valet: Beginning June 22nd
Emergency Department Valet: Beginning July 6th

Baystate Franklin Medical Center

Parking will be available at the main entrance and ground floor entrance for patients and visitors.

Baystate Wing Hospital and Baystate Mary Lane Outpatient Center

Valet service remains available.

Where are the hospital visitor entrances?

Baystate Medical Center and Baystate Children's Hospital

Daly or Wesson entrances only.

Baystate Franklin Medical Center

Baystate Franklin Medical Center main entrance 164 High Street
Baystate Franklin Medical Center ground floor entrance on Sanderson Street.

Baystate Wing Hospital and Baystate Mary Lane Outpatient Center

Main entrances only.

What are the visiting hours?

Daily from noon to 8 pm.

Where are visitors allowed within hospitals?

Navigating within hospital buildings:

Please travel directly to the patient’s room and wash your hands (or use hospital hand sanitizer) before entering the patient’s room and when leaving.
Remain in the patient’s room the entire time you are visiting, and always stay at least 6 feet away from the patient (social distance).
Visitors are not permitted in public spaces (e.g. waiting rooms, cafeteria).