In order to assure the safety and health of both our patients and visitors, we ask that the following guidelines be observed:

• For the health of our patients, staff, and visitors, Palomar Health is a smoke-free environment and smoking is not permitted anywhere on campus.
• For health reasons, visitors must dress appropriately and wear shirts and shoes.
• Duration of visits, number of visits and ages of visitors may be limited by the nursing staff consistent with the level of care the patient requires.
• In the best interest of our patients’ health, people with a cold, sore throat or any contagious disease are requested not to visit patients.
• Because patients are recovering from illness or surgery, visits should be kept short.
• Visitors should maintain a quiet environment and avoid unnecessary noise.
• For privacy reasons, visitors may be asked to leave the room during tests or treatments or when the doctor or nurse needs to see the patient.
• For safety reasons, children must be supervised by a parent or other adult at all times.
• Eating/drinking is not allowed in the lobbies or patient rooms. Visitors may eat/drink in the cafeteria.
• Social distancing must be practiced. If any visitors are not willing to comply with all infection control guidelines, they can be asked to leave.

All patients may have visitors regardless of vaccination status and must comply with hospital visitor guidelines.

• Patients in Airborne precautions for Tuberculosis are prohibited.

All visitors need to screen themselves prior to entry for COVID-19 signs and symptoms.

• Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to visit.

At Palomar Health, we recognize that family and friends are vital in the healing process. Because our mission is to promote a comfortable and healing environment, our visiting hours are flexible and open on most units. Due to the nature of the treatment, there are certain units where visitation may be restricted.

Labor and Delivery

• 3 visitors allowed (all ages)
  • Significant other counts as a visitor
  • A certified doula is permitted

Postpartum

• 4 visitors allowed (8am-10pm)
  • Significant other counts as a visitor
  • All ages allowed
• 1 adult over 18 years old permitted for overnight stay

Please refer to the NICU department for the most up to date visitation guidelines.

• NICU Escondido 442-281-3180
• NICU Poway 858-613-4143

Any visitor entering the facility, regardless of their vaccination status, must adhere to the following:

• All visitors must be screened for fever and COVID-19 symptoms and/or exposure within the prior 14 days to another person with COVID-19; if a visitor has COVID-19 symptoms or has been in close contact with a confirmed positive case, they must reschedule their visit, regardless of their vaccination status.
• All visitors must wear a well-fitting face mask with good filtration (N95, KF94, KN95, or surgical masks are preferred over cloth face coverings) and perform hand hygiene upon entry and in all common areas in the facility;
• If personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for contact with the resident due to COVID-19 positive isolation status (including fully vaccinated visitors), it must be donned and doffed according to instruction by HCP.
• Facilities should limit visitor movement in the facility, regardless of the visitor’s vaccination status; for example, visitors should not walk around the hallways of the facility and should go directly to and from the resident’s room or designated visitation area.
• Visitors who have tested positive for COVID-19 should not be permitted to visit or should be asked to leave if they are still within their isolation period (within 10 days of their positive test). Under such circumstances, facilities must offer alternatives for remote (Skype, etc.) or telephone visitation. Staff should provide monitoring for those who may have difficulty adhering to core principles, such as children.