Visitation Policy

DCH Health System's visitation policy allows patients to designate their own visitors during hospitalization and establishes that visitors enjoy equal visitation privileges consistent with our patient preferences.

Any limitations or restrictions upon visitation are based on reasonable and appropriate clinical needs and legitimate patient, staff or public safety concerns.

General Guidelines

General visitation hours are 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

All visitors are to be free from recent exposure to communicable diseases and without fever or visible signs of illness. During time of infectious outbreak in the community (e.g. influenza, measles, mumps, chicken pox, COVID-19, etc.) visitation may only be restricted consistent with this policy.

Visitors and any others entering DCH Health System hospitals will not engage in disruptive, abusive, threatening or unsafe behaviors. A visitor who continues engaging in any such behavior after being asked to cease will be escorted from the premises immediately.

We encourage a family member or friend to stay with the patients on acute care floors so they can participate in the patient’s care and learn how to best care for the patient when discharged.

The number of visitors at the bedside shall be limited at any given time with consideration for physical safety as well as for the well-being of all of the patients.

Arrangements may be made for virtual visitation when available or appropriate.

Critical care unit guidelines may vary. Click here for details.

Some of our units or departments have different hours or guidelines. Click here for details.

For everyone’s safety

At DCH, we’re committed to keeping our patients, visitors and staff safe. Learn more about the security measures we have taken to ensure your safety.

After Hours

Visitors wishing to see a patient after normal visiting hours must receive permission for admittance to the unit. Visitors must register at the South Lobby at the Regional Medical Center and Emergency Department/metal detector entrance at Northport Medical Center.

The Security officer must see a state-issued picture identification of the visitor and have him/her sign the after-hours visitation form. The Security officer will then call the Nurse's station on the patient's floor to request visitation privileges. Upon receiving permission, the Security officer will direct the visitor to the unit.

Hospital Entrances

DCH Regional Medical Center
South(Main) Entrance	Entrance open 4:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. for general visitation. Only approved visitors will enter after hours.
North Entrance	Entrance open 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Medical Tower	Entrance open 4:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Northport Medical Center
Main Entrance	Entrance open 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Back (ED) Entrance	Entrance open 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.