Family and friends are always welcome and encouraged to visit patients during a hospital stay. General visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Admitting Department issues wristbands to “primary visitors” – typically the closest family or friends – that allow 24-hour visitation. All other visitors must check in at the Guest Services Desk before each visit and will be issued a badge for the day. For your protection and the protection of others, all visitors will be screened for infection at the Guest Services Desk.
With the exception of Pediatrics, children less than five years of age cannot visit patients or enter patient care units unless special permission is granted. Children less than five years of age are not allowed to visit in Pediatrics during the flu season. Children under the age of fourteen must be supervised at all times.
For the welfare of patients, patient care staff may request that visitors leave a patient room at any time.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
In the ICU, visitors may stay up to five minutes per hour, with a maximum of two visitors at a time. Visits are not permitted during shift changes, which are 7 to 8 a.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Parents, of course, are permitted to stay with their children in the unit. Children under the age of twelve are not allowed to visit the ICU. For our patients’ well being, cellular phones are not allowed in the ICU.
Flowers, Live Plants and Balloons
We understand the desire to lift a patient’s spirits with balloons, flowers or plants. However, for the health and safety of everyone concerned – patients, family members and staff – some items are restricted. No latex or rubber balloons are allowed in Helford Hospital because of possible allergic reactions to latex. Metallic (mylar) balloons are not permitted in the Intensive Care Unit because they can interfere with electronic medical equipment. Because of the severity of their illnesses, ICU patients may not have any floral arrangements (fresh or artificial) or plants. Surgical patients on 4 West may not have live plants or flowers. Patients on Pediatrics, 5 East, 5 West, 6 East and 6 West may have silk or plastic flowers, as long as any of the decorative moss has been removed. Please call if you have any questions.
Patient and Visitor Lounges
Soothing and comfortable patient lounges are located on the third through sixth floors of Helford Hospital, while visitor waiting areas and lounges are available throughout the entire facility.
Smoking Policy
For the safety and health of patients, visitors and staff, no smoking is allowed on the City of Hope campus, inside or outside.
