Temporary Visitation Guidelines in Place to Help Protect Patients and Staff Posted on January 5, 2026 by Dakota PikeJanuary 5th, 2026At Nathan Littauer Hospital, the health and safety of our patients, visitors, and staff remain our top priority—especially during peak seasons for respiratory illnesses. In response to increased circulation of seasonal respiratory viruses, we have implemented temporary visitation guidelines for inpatient areas of the hospital.These measures are designed to reduce the spread of illness while still allowing patients to receive appropriate support from loved ones.What Visitors Should KnowGeneral inpatient visiting hours are 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.Please do not visit if you are experiencing respiratory or flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath.Children under 17 years of age are not permitted in inpatient areas.All visitors must enter through the main hospital entrance.On the Medical-Surgical Unit, two visitors are permitted at the bedside at one time.Hand hygiene is required before entering and after leaving patient rooms. Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the hospital.Visitors to patients on enhanced droplet or contact precautions must speak with a nurse and wear required PPE.Department-Specific GuidelinesVisitation varies by department based on patient needs and safety considerations:Emergency Department: One visitor at a time over age 17. Parents of minors may both visit. Enhanced precautions limit visitation to one visitor who must remain in the room.Special Care Unit (SCU): Visiting hours are 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visits are generally limited to 15 minutes, immediate family only, with a maximum of two visitors. No children under 10.Birthing Center: After delivery, visiting hours are 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visitors must be 18 or older, except for newborn siblings.Labor & Delivery: Two designated support persons may be present throughout labor and delivery and may not rotate.Postpartum: One designated support person may stay for the duration of hospitalization. Two additional visitors may be present at a time. Siblings may visit for one hour per day.Antepartum Testing: One support person is permitted.Compassionate ExceptionsWe understand that certain situations require flexibility. Our healthcare team may make limited exceptions to visitation guidelines on a case-by-case basis, including for end-of-life care.Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and supportive environment for everyone who entrusts us with their care.