Visiting Hours
In general, family and friends are encouraged to visit you whenever possible unless your condition limits visitors or you request visitor restrictions. Accommodations are made to ensure your receive adequate rest as well as the necessary support from your family/friends. The following are guidelines for visiting hours:
- Overnight stays must be coordinated with the nurse manager to secure the proper accommodations.
- Children under 10 are permitted to visit patients in any unit if coordinated with the nursing staff and accompanied by an adult who is able to provide adequate supervision.
- Two visitors per patient at a time are preferred, especially when there is more than one patient in a room.
- Visiting may be temporarily altered due to emergent or emergency situations.
Labor and delivery rooms: Coaches/Support persons only
- Siblings of a newborn must be accompanied by an adult, other than the mother, who is able to provide adequate supervision.
- Infants remaining in the nursery once you are discharged may be visited at any time by you and your designated significant other, provided he or she is wearing the newborn’s matching identification band. A “parent room” is available for overnight accommodations at no charge.
IsolationIsolation and standard precaution procedures such as wearing gowns, masks and gloves are often used to protect you, other patients and staff when certain diseases are suspected or confirmed. Handwashing is very important. You can expect your caregivers to wash their hands before and after they care for you.
If you must be in isolation, your visitors also will be expected to wear protective attire. Special signs will be posted on your door, and your nurse can answer any of your visitors' questions.
Waiting AreasWaiting areas for visitors are conveniently located adjacent to patient units. Your visitors can ask your nurse to direct them to the nearest waiting area.
DiningThe hospital's cafeteria, located on the ground floor of the Wood Building, is open to the public from 9 to 10 am; 11:00 am to 1:30 pm; and 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
The fully automated coffee shop is located off the main lobby in the Sayles Building and contains vending machines that dispense hot and cold food and drinks. A microwave oven is available. Vending machines are also available next to the waiting area in the Emergency Department.
Guest Food TraysYour visitors may make arrangements for guest food trays at a cost of $5.00 at the cashier's office in the hospital's main lobby. After your nurse receives the receipt, he or she will contact Food and Nutrition Services to set up a menu.
Tobacco UseTo improve community health, well-being and safety, Memorial Hospital has joined with other members of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island in creating a tobacco-free environment. Patients and visitors are not allowed to use tobacco products anywhere on the hospital campus. Visitors who wish to use tobacco products need to leave the property to do so.
Gift ShopThe hospital's gift shop is located in the main lobby and stocks fresh flowers, greeting cards, snacks, and gifts for all ages. It is open weekdays 10 am - 7 pm. Hours vary on weekends.
More info here...Latex BalloonsDue to health concerns, latex balloons are not permitted for patients or staff at Memorial Hospital. For some individuals, latex poses a potentially life-threatening danger of shock or respiratory arrest. Mylar balloons do not cause an allergic reaction and are most welcome.
