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The BWH visiting policy has recently changed to better reflect the patient-centered focus of the hospital’s mission, as well as to decrease staff time spent on managing visitors.
As part of the new policy, visiting hours have been extended one full hour and will now be from 1 to 9 p.m. In addition, a new distinction has been made between a visitor and a “designated immediate family/support person.” A “designated immediate family/support person” is identified by the patient as a person they wish to have with them for support. This designation is not the same as the next of kin or health care proxy, although it can be the same person; it is simply a person the patient has chosen to help support their care while in the hospital.
Recognizing the health benefits that the presence of loved ones provides to patients while they are in the hospital, both physically and psychologically, this individual is welcome to stay at any time, depending upon the patient’s need for medical care/treatments, rest, privacy and patient preference to include the roommate’s input.
This new policy supports making visitation arrangements based on the health care team’s ability to treat the patient effectively, while recognizing the therapeutic effect of having a loved one involved in the care of the patient. For additional information on the new visiting policy, contact Kathleen Gordon in the Department of Patient and Family Relations at ext. 2-8248 or via email (kgordon1@partners.org).