Patients & Visitors

Availability of Language Assistance Services. Washington Hospital offers free interpreter services to our patients, including video-remote interpreters in American Sign Language. If your English is limited or you are speech or hearing impaired, please ask your doctor, nurse or other staff member to arrange for interpreter services at no cost to you. If you have a question or a concern regarding these services, please contact the Compliance Department at 510.818.7400.

Visitor’s Guide to Washington Hospital

At Washington Hospital, we recognize that family and friends are critically important to patient healing. We have updated our visitor policy to provide a positive experience that promotes safety for all.

Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for inpatients without COVID-19. Two visitors (12 years and older) allowed at a time in Critical and Intermediate Care areas. Four visitors (12 years and older) allowed at a time in other medical/surgical units. Three visitors (12 years and older) allowed in the Birthing Center and Pediatric unit. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Emergency Department: One support person (18 years and older) is allowed to accompany individuals receiving care in the Emergency Department.

Surgery Waiting Area: Surgery support persons are welcome to wait in the surgery waiting area. General visitation guidelines apply once the patient is roomed.

Visitors are required to show a government-issued photo ID (current school-issued identification accepted) prior to entry.

Self-Screening Prior to Entry. Everyone entering any Hospital building or clinic is required to self-screen for symptoms prior to entering. This means that every patient, visitor, employee, physician and volunteer must pass the self-screening process prior to entry.

Sanitizing Hands. Additionally, we require that you sanitize your hands before you enter. Hand sanitizer is conveniently available at all entrances and throughout our buildings and clinics.

Masking is optional in most areas on campus. Masks are required in areas where high-risk patients receive care.

Other important information

• The entire Washington Hospital campus (including parking lots and all related health care entities) are tobacco- and smoke/vape–free zones. The use of any tobacco products -- smoking, vaping or chewing of tobacco, or any other substance such as marijuana cigarettes, e-cigarettes, pipes, and cigars -- is strictly prohibited.
• For everyone's safety, we have implemented security measures that include:
  • All personal items, such as backpacks, purses and totes, are subject to search; we appreciate your cooperation with the security person outside the Main Hospital lobby
  • Everyone must check in at the front desk
  • Valid ID must be presented by each person and a visitor badge with their name and photo will be issued before leaving the Hospital main lobby; visible visitor badges must be worn at all times while in the Hospital
  • An ID must be shown every day to receive a visitor’s badge

  Consideration for the comfort and safety of our patients is our first priority. Nursing staff, in collaboration with the patient, may alter visiting hours and regulations at their discretion, as warranted by the patient’s condition, family circumstances and environment. It is understood that visitors may be asked to leave if their presence is stressful to the patient or in conflict with the treatment plan.