The George Washington University Hospital

Guidelines for Visitors
Visitors can be “good medicine” for patients. Family members and friends are welcome to visit; however, patient care is our primary concern and we ask that you follow specific visiting hours and regulations established for each unit to maintain the quality of care.

Hospital Visiting Hours
The visiting hours for general, medical, surgical and critical care units are from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Specific units may have different visiting hours. If you need additional information, please check with the nurse on the unit.

Condition Reports
Any personal information about a patient’s diagnosis and treatment must come from the patient’s physician, and this information is available only to designated members of the patient’s family or those designated by the patient.

Waiting Areas
There are designated lounge areas for visitors on each patient floor. Specific waiting areas have been designated for families and friends of patients in the critical care units, the emergency department and surgery.

Out-of-Town Visitors
Accommodations for out-of-town visitors are available at nearby hotels. The hospital has preferred rates with several area hotels. For a list of hotels and rates please contact the concierge at (202) 715-4977. Click here for a list of area hotels.

Smoking While at the Hospital
Because of the hospital’s interest in good health, and in accordance with local laws, The George Washington University Hospital is a smoke-free environment. For this reason, smoking is prohibited in the hospital, outside our entrances and on our property.

Cafeteria
Located on the Lobby Level, the cafeteria is open 7 days a week for service as follows:

	Weekdays	Weekends/Holidays
Breakfast	6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.	7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Lunch	11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.	11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon Service	2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.	2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Dinner	4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.	4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Evening Service	7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.	7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Starbucks Coffee

	Weekdays	Weekends/Holidays
Starbucks Coffee	6:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.	7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m

Vending
Vending machines are located in the cafeteria, Emergency Room waiting area and visitors’ lounges on the third, fourth and fifth floors.

Hospital Visitor Guidelines

All visitors must provide a valid form of picture identification at the reception desk in the main lobby. Visitors should always call the unit before entering to confirm that the patient is ready.
All visitors going to patients’ rooms must be at least 13 years of age. In certain situations, a patient may leave the floor to visit children in the Level 1 waiting areas or children may have a limited visit in the patient’s room. If you wish to make such arrangements please talk with your nurse.
Visitors are not permitted to smoke on hospital property.
Shirts and shoes must be worn.
No more than two visitors should be in the patient’s room at one time. Visitors to semi-private rooms should be considerate of both patients.
People with colds, sore throats or any contagious diseases should not visit patients.
Visits should be kept short, and to maintain a quiet environment visitors should avoid creating unnecessary noise.
Visitors may be asked to leave the room when the doctor or nurse needs to see the patient. Liberal visiting arrangements may be made for families or friends of surgical patients on the day of surgery.
Visitors should ask before giving gifts of food or beverages since many patients have special or restricted diets.
Plants and flowers are not permitted in the critical care units.
Cameras may be permitted for personal photographs. In order to protect patient information and hospital staff, the Unit Director, Security and Hospital Administration must be informed of the reason for any other type of photography and grant permission to the photographer. Please respect
the privacy of others and speak to your nurse if you have any concerns.

Mission and Values

Visitors

Your Stay

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Financial Matters

Best Upon Request®

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