In an attempt to create a more visitor friendly environment, Jamaica Hospital’s leadership recently decided to extend the hospital’s visiting hours.
The old visiting policy was not only limiting but also confusing because many of the units had different visitation schedules. As a result, leaders from Administration, the Nursing Department, Building Services, Security and Admitting/Information Desk met and agreed to extend visiting hours on all floors.
Effectively immediately, visiting hours will now begin at 9:00 a.m. on all medical/surgical, intensive care, OB/GYN and pediatrics units. Visiting hours on all floors will end at 8:00 p.m.
The only unit that has not extended visitation is 5 North (Rehab, TCU, and TBI). This decision was made so that the patients on this unit can continue to receive uninterrupted daytime rehabilitation services.
Other enhancements of the new visiting policy include new age permissions on all units. Previously, Jamaica Hospital did not allow any children 16 years of age or under on the medical surgical floors. Now, all children 12 and older can visit family members on any unit and siblings of any age can visit patients on 2 North and 2 South.
The Nursing Supervisors will continue to help those visitors who need special accommodations, such as rooming-in needs and comfort care passes. They will also work on a case-by-case basis with visitors who require other special arrangements.
The hospital hopes that the changes will communicate to our patients and visitors our dedication to improving the quality of their stay. We understand the difficulties some people have making it to the hospital when there are restrictions and we hope these measures are helpful.
New passes have been printed and the revised policy will be updated on all signs and other materials.