Visiting Hours & Policies

Welcoming Policy

Updated: September 30, 2023

Purpose

Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) believes in patient/resident-and family-centered care and strives to promote patient/resident and family participation in all aspects of their care, according to the preferences of the patient/resident. The purpose of this policy is to welcome the presence and participation of family members while their loved one is receiving care.

Policy Statement

We recognize that families and friends are not “visitors” in the lives of patients/residents, but rather they are essential, valued members of the health care team and their support is vital to patients’/residents’ recovery and healing. Therefore, with some department specific exceptions, there are no specified visiting hours, and those who are important to the patient/resident are welcomed to the hospital at any time 24 hours a day, according to the preferences of the patient/resident.

Definitions

• Patient: anyone who has an appointment, is admitted or is actively receiving care at CVMC and its facilities.
• Resident: a person who lives in our residential long-term care and short term rehabilitation facility, Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing.
• Family: as defined by the Institute for Patient and Family Centered Care, family refers to persons who are related in any way-- biologically, legally or emotionally. Patients/residents and families define their “family”.
• Friends: typically members of the patient/resident’s social circle who may wish to be present at the patient/resident’s beside, but are not necessarily involved as a support person or partner in care with the patient/resident.
• Adult: an individual aged 18 or over

Guiding Principles

• The patient/resident may set limitations to family and friends’ presence in conjunction with their health care team.
• When the patient/resident is unable to define family and friends to be included in their care, the patient/resident’s designated representative will provide this definition and make decisions about any limitations.
• Exceptions to this policy are made on a case-by-case basis by department leadership and/or the Administrative Nursing Coordinator.
• Visitation will not be restricted on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
• Anyone whose presence is disruptive or infringes upon others’ rights or safety, or who are medically or therapeutically contraindicated, or legally prohibited from contact will be asked to leave.
• Certain areas with high-risk patients may impose additional restrictions for the safety of patients, family, friends, and staff.
• In the event that family and friend presence would need to be limited, staff will work with the family to resume their presence as soon as possible.
• Welcoming policy applies equally to employees who wish to visit friends or family regardless of whether they are on or off duty.
• CVMC provides professional interpreting services by hospital-contracted interpreters who are members of the care team. Family and friends should not be asked to interpret.
• American Disability Act (ADA) service animals, therapy dogs/support animals, and service animals in training are allowed at CVMC in alignment with current hospital policy and ADA guidelines.
• Infection Control Precautions:
  • We ask everyone to clean their hands each time they enter or exit the building, a department or nursing unit, or a patient/resident’s room.
  • Families, friends and staff are expected to adhere to all additional infection prevention policies and guidelines.
  • Whenever possible, it is recommended that friends and family leave the facility after visiting a loved one on infection control precautions.  Please try to visit other patients/residents and public areas such as the gift shop or cafeteria before seeing your loved one. 
  • Family and friends assume the risk of contracting infection when visiting with an infectious patient/resident.
  • Family and friends are encouraged to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during their visit as instructed by the clinical staff.