Updated November 17, 2020, in reference to cancer patients and visitors to the Labor and Delivery and Mother Infant units

VCU Health has expanded its visitation policy for hospitalized non-COVID-19 patients, allowing two adult visitors per day, with some restrictions. .

Our patient care philosophy depends greatly on engaging family and friends to be part of the healing process. We have adopted safety practices that limit the risk of COVID-19 while allowing visitors back.

Visitors are required to wear a face mask and visitor badge at all times while on our premises and need to follow specified visitation hours.

Highlights of our new visitation policy include:

• Two adult visitors per day, 18 years or older, permitted per patient after being screened and receiving a face mask.
• Inpatient visitation extended to 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• For patients in the Labor and Delivery and Mother Infant units: Two adult visitors, 18 years or older, permitted per patient. Professional doulas are recognized as members of the care team and are not included in the visitor count. 
• Visitors must stay in the patient room for the duration of the visit and wear a face mask at all times.
• Visitors are required to wear a visitor badge, provided by the information desk, at all times while on site.
• Entry points for inpatient visitors will be limited to Gateway and Critical Care Hospital entrances. Please bring an I.D.

Exceptions to this policy remain the same:

• For non-COVID-19 patients who are at the end of life: The number of visitors is determined by the patient's care team.
  • Children under age 18 are permitted to visit a parent or primary caregiver.
  • Children must screen negative for COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Children 3 years or older must wear a face mask. 
• COVID-19 positive patients at the end of life are allowed one adult visitor, 18 years of age or older. No other restrictions are in place.

For cancer patients:

For information on visiting cancer patients, including bone marrow transplant patients, please visit the Massey Cancer Center. 

For pediatric patients:

For our visitation policy for pediatric patients, please visit Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

For outpatients: For those with appointments, we are instituting the following temporary outpatient appointment policy:

• Only patients with verified appointments may enter our hospitals and clinics. Appointments will be verified at entry screening stations.
• For adult patients with verified appointments: One support person, 18 years or older, will be permitted to accompany them to their appointment.
• For pediatric patients with verified appointments: Two accompanying adults, 18 years or older, permitted per patient.
• Both the patient and support person will be required to wear a wristband after the appointment is verified. They must have wristbands visible at all times while onsite.

Patients and accompanying individuals must wear a face mask at all times. Face masks must cover both nose and mouth.

For Emergency Department (ED) patients:

• One adult visitor, 18 years or older, permitted once the patient is roomed.

• Pediatrics: Two adult visitors are permitted during the ED stay.

In this difficult and unprecedented time, we know showing love and care is of the utmost importance, and our teams are committed to providing safe and compassionate care.

Even if you cannot be physically with your loved one in the hospital, please know that they still need you – and VCU Health wants to help you to stay in touch. We are in the process of providing technology, such as iPads and phones, to patients with limited access to digital technology to encourage FaceTime, Skype and Zoom conversations with their loved ones.

We appreciate your understanding during these uncertain times. Learn more about our revised policies on visitation and clinical appointments. 

Valet parking changes

• Gateway valet opens for surgeries only at 5 a.m.
• The Ambulatory Care Center valet opens for surgeries only at 5:30 a.m.

For visitors to Massey Cancer Center

Valet parking at North Hospital for VCU Massey Cancer Center outpatient care is open.

If you are arriving for an outpatient appointment, radiation or infusion treatments, please go to the North Hospital entrance at 1300 E. Marshall Street. From there, you may either valet park or self-park. Valet parking is free for outpatient cancer visits.

If you choose to self-park, you will be directed to the nearby Goodwin Research Laboratory parking garage. Valet staff will be available in the deck to assist those with wheelchairs, if needed, and direct you from the parking garage to the entrance of North Hospital and your appointment.

Upon entry, all patients and visitors must undergo screening for COVID-19 and wear a face mask at all times. Face masks must cover both the nose and mouth.