Visitor Policy Restrictions in Response to H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Viruses
October 30, 2009
In an effort to minimize the impact of the H1N1 and seasonal flu, Sibley will be taking special steps to protect our patients, visitors, volunteers and staff. These precautions will include changes to our visiting policy beginning Wednesday, November 4, 2009.
Sibley is following recommendations of the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) for healthcare facilities to prevent transmission of H1N1. The following restrictions apply to all visitors:
- Visitors with flu-like symptoms are not allowed.
- Visitors under the age of 18 (including siblings) are not permitted.
- Only two people may visit at a time.
- Visiting hours will remain the same: 11:00 am – 8:30 pm.
Access to the Hospital buildings for visitors, staff and volunteers will be limited to:
- Main entrance
- Emergency Department walk-in entrance
- Hayes Hall entrance adjacent to the Emergency Department
- The Renaissance portico entrance
- Cancer Center/Radiation Oncology entrance (for patients only)
- Safety and Security entrance
Signs will be posted throughout the Hospital to remind the public about this temporary visiting policy.
Thank you for helping to keep Sibley safe.
Visitors
Visitors are limited to no more than two at one time for each patient so as to not disturb other patients. Children under the age of 12 years are advised not to be in patient care areas. There is a visiting lounge on every floor and patients may visit with families and small children in this area.
New fathers or significant others are welcome at any time if the patient has a private room in the Family Centered Care Unit. Overnight stays are only permitted in private rooms. In semi-private rooms, regular visiting hours of 1:30 pm – 8:30 pm must be observed. Children under the age of 18 are not allowed to stay over night at any time. Please limit children’s visits to the baby’s siblings.
Visiting Hours
General: 11:00 am – 8:30 pm
Family Centered Care Unit: 1:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Critical Care and Cardiac Care Units: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Psychiatric Unit
Monday – Friday: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Weekends: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Patient Information Desk
Volunteers at the Information Desk will provide callers who ask for you by name with your room and phone number, unless you request at the time of admission that this information be withheld. Patient condition reports are not given. Out-of-town visitors may receive information on short-term accommodations at the Information Desk.
Parking & Transportation
Parking is available at the Hospital for reasonable rates. The D6 and M4 Metro bus and the Number 23 Ride-On bus serve Sibley. Schedules are available at the Information Desk. There is a courtesy phone in the lobby with direct lines to taxicab companies.
Windows Café
Windows Café, our cafeteria, is located on the ground floor to the right as you exit the elevators.
Hours:
Full Breakfast
Monday – Friday: 6:30 am- 10:00 am
Weekends and Holidays: 6:30 am – 8:30 am
Continental Breakfast
Weekends and Holidays: 8:30 am- 10:00 am
Lunch 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Lite Fare 2:00 pm – 3:30pm
Dinner 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
There is a vending area adjacent to the cafeteria, open 24 hours a day, with snacks, beverages and light meals.
Wireless Internet
Wireless internet access is available in Windows Café. The service is free and is provided for the convenience of patients, visitors and guests. *soon will be hospital-wide
Coffee Kiosk
A coffee kiosk is located on the main floor by the Emergency Department entrance.
Gift Shop
The Gift Shop, located in the main lobby, carries a variety of items including magazines, cards, toiletries, candy and flowers. Hours are:
Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Weekends and Holidays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
ATM
ATM machines are located on the ground floor opposite the elevator and on the main floor to the right of the elevators.
Smoking
To promote the health and safety of patients, staff and visitors, Sibley Memorial Hospital is a tobacco-free campus. Smoking is not permitted in any area of the hospital or on the grounds. Medical treatment for nicotine addiction may be available through your physician.
Smoking cessation information:
DC Tobacco Free Families 1.800.QUIT.NOW
American Lung Association 1.800.586.4872
Additional information is available upon request.