Guidelines for Visiting Family or Friends in the Hospital
The Dos and Don’ts of Being a Good Visitor

Visitors can be an important and supportive part of the healing process for many patients and family and friends are encouraged to visit patients hospitalized at Pella Regional Health Center.

Different hospital units have their own visiting hours and policies to maintain the health and safety of all patients at Pella Regional, but general hours are 10:30 am to 9 pm. Visiting policies may be individualized based upon a patient’s specific physical, social, emotional or spiritual needs. From time to time, a member of the nursing staff may ask visitors to leave for a brief time so that they can attend to the patient’s needs.

Tips to Be a Good Visitor
Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before entering and when leaving the patient's room.
Expect the staff to clean their hands before patient care. Remind them if they forget.
Cover your sneeze or cough with a tissue or your upper arm. Do not visit if you're sick.
Avoid touching anything used to care for the patient.
Read and follow any instructions posted outside the patient or resident's room.
Limit your visits to just a few minutes as patients also need rest and recovery time before being discharged.

More Susceptible to Illness
People with symptoms of an illness are asked not to visit the hospital for the protection of patients and residents. To protect patients from infection, delay visiting a loved one if you have had any of the following symptoms that are new within the past three days:
Fever (feeling hot)
Headache and muscle aches (flu-like symptoms)
Cough/Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose (not due to allergy)
Diarrhea or vomiting
Rash
Open, draining sores or mouth ulcers

Remember that patients are usually weak and more susceptible to infection. It is always best to stay home if you are not feeling well. However, if you are unable to postpone your visit, talk to the patient's nurse before entering the room and explain your situation. Protective equipment, such as a mask, may be required.

If you are unable to visit a patient, you can go to www.pellahealth.org to send the patient a Send-a-Smile, an electronic greeting. It’s an easy and fun option for those who are unable to visit but still want to connect with a patient or resident.