Effective October 8, 2009
Flu season is upon us. To better protect our patients, newborns, visitors and staff, Potomac Hospital has joined other area hospitals in making temporary changes to our visiting hours and policies.
The following will apply throughout the flu season:
Medicine, Progressive Care, Surgery, Orthopedics & Bariatric Units
Adults only (ages 18 years and over): 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Only two people may visit a patient at a time.
Hematology/Oncology Unit
Immediate Family Only (ages 18 and over): 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Immediate family includes spouses/significant others, parents or direct caregivers (son, daughter or other immediate family member who is responsible for care). No other visitors are allowed. Only two people may visit a patient at a time.
Intensive Care and Intermediate Care Units
Immediate Family Only (ages 18 and over): 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Immediate family includes spouses/significant others, parents or direct caregivers (son, daughter or other immediate family member who is responsible for care). No other visitors are allowed. Only two people may visit a patient at a time.
KidsPORT / Pediatrics
Parents Only: 24 hours a day (one parent may remain overnight).
Post Partum and Labor and Delivery
Fathers/Significant Other/Support Person Only: Open visitation, 24 hours a day. No other visitors are allowed.
Additional Information for Visitors
Only two people may visit at a time.
Visitors may be issued masks or other protective clothing for use when visiting. Visitors who do not wear this protective clothing in accordance with instructions will be asked to leave.
Smoking is not permitted within any of the hospital's buildings.
Food and beverages are not allowed in patient rooms, except by permission of the area's charge nurse.
Cell phones may be used in the hospital but can be a distraction to the delivery of good care. For this reason cell phone use is discouraged especially in critical care areas including the Emergency Care Center, treatment rooms, Intensive Care or Intermediate Care, Progressive Care, Neonatal Intensive Care, and Labor and Delivery rooms. When using your cell phone, please be respectful of others and the need for privacy. Also, do not take pictures of patients, visitors or others without their permission. The hospital is not responsible for cell phones that are lost or misplaced.
Be a part of our team effort to prevent infections. Wash your hands frequently or use the rinseless hand sanitizer available in all patient care areas.
*Visitor restrictions do not apply to clergy members.
Room number information is available at the Information Desk, which is located in the front lobby, or by telephone at (703) 670-1313. Patients have the right under federal law to ask NOT to be included in the patient listing/hospital directory. If a patient elects NOT to be included in the patient listing/hospital directory, we will not disclose that he is here to people asking for him at the Information Desk or calling by phone. Patients who asked NOT to be included in the directory and have changed their minds can let their nurses know, and can then be added to the directory.
New mothers and other patients in Post Partum can be reached by dialing (703) 986-54 + Room Number. For rooms 1 to 9, add a zero before the room number. All other hospital inpatients can be reached by dialing (703) 986-5 + Room Number.
Parking is available free of charge in the large parking lot in front of the hospital. A free shuttle bus is available to take visitors from the parking lot to the hospital. We also offer free valet parking. Visitors can follow signs to the main entrance of the hospital to take advantage of this service. The shuttle bus and valet parking services are not available evenings or weekends.
The Gift Shop offers an assortment of items including books, games, toys, greeting cards, wrapping paper, balloons, flowers, candy and gift ideas. Operated by our Auxiliary, the Gift Shop is located near the hospital's main entrance. Hours are posted next to the door. The Gift Shop also accepts telephone orders for flowers and gift items to be delivered to patients. To place a telephone order, call the Gift Shop at (703) 670-1524.
Family and friends are welcome to eat in the Garden Café, which is located on the Garden Level. It is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Vending machines and snack areas are also located in our family lounges and outside the Garden Café. Guest trays are also available in patient rooms. These can be ordered at the hospital or from your home. A nominal charge applies, which must be paid in advance at the Garden Café.
Jazzman’s offers a convenient food and beverage area for visitors in the main hospital lobby. A convenient alternative to the Garden Café, Jazzman’s serves all your favorites – Panini sandwiches, salads, pastries, cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, and of course, just regular Joe.
