Visitor Policy

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Visitor Policy

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At MSK, we make every effort to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our patients and visitors.

For adult patients, visitors must be at least 12 years old. For pediatric patients, visitors can be as young as 8 years old.

Please remember that kindness matters. MSK is a place for healing. There is zero tolerance for any disrespectful behavior. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

Mask Policy

You must wear a mask:

  • In the following areas:
    • All inpatient (hospital) rooms. 
    • Rooms and bays (treatment beds) in surgical, radiology, and radiation oncology treatment areas at Memorial Hospital (1275 York Avenue).
    • Our Urgent Care Center, Clinical Decision Unit, and Symptom Care Clinics.
    • Some areas of our Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center.  
  • If you were instructed by your healthcare provider to wear a mask
  • If you are directed by staff based on your symptoms  

You may choose to wear a mask in:

  • Public areas, such as hallways, elevators, lobbies, and the cafeteria.
  • Our outpatient locations, except for Symptom Care Clinics. 

You can ask your provider to wear a mask at any time. Masks are available at our building entrances. You must wear the mask we give you.

Screening for COVID-19

When visitors arrive at MSK, they will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19. Visitors will not be allowed to enter MSK if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Cough
  • Breathing problems (such as shortness of breath or chest tightness)
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Fever above 100.4 °F (38 °C) or chills
  • New loss of your sense of taste or smell

Additionally, people who have tested positive for COVID-19 are not allowed to visit MSK until they are symptom-free and it has been at least 10 days since their initial positive test.

Read more detailed information below for visitors to Memorial Hospital, inpatients, outpatients, surgery and procedure patients, and pediatric patients.

Visitors to Memorial Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient)

  • Visitors to Memorial Hospital should enter and check in at the main entrance at 1275 York Avenue.
  • All visitors must show photo identification to register for a visitor pass. 

Visitors to Inpatients

  • Visiting hours for the inpatient hospital units, including the inpatient unit at the David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care, are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. An inpatient can have up to 4 registered visitors per day, but only 2 visitors can be with the patient at a time.
  • Visiting hours for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Memorial Hospital are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A patient in the ICU can have up to 4 registered visitors per day, but only 2 visitors can be with the patient at a time.

Visitors to Outpatients

  • Patients who have a healthcare provider appointment, bloodwork, infusion such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or radiology tests such as MRI, CT, PET scans, X-Rays, and nuclear medicine can have up to 2 visitors with them.
  • Patients at the Symptom Care Clinics (SCCs), Urgent Care Center (UCC), and Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) can have 1 visitor.

Visitors to Surgery and Procedure Patients

  • Patients having a surgical, interventional radiology, or endoscopy procedure can have up to 2 visitors per day, but only 1 visitor can be with the patient at a time in the presurgical and recovery room areas. Visitors can wait in the lobby or cafeteria during the procedure and while 1 visitor is with the patient in the presurgical or recovery room area.
  • Patients staying overnight as part of the Ambulatory Extended Recovery Program at Josie Robertson Surgery Center can have 1 visitor stay overnight with them.
  • Visiting hours for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Memorial Hospital are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A patient in the ICU can have up to 4 registered visitors per day. Up to 2 visitors can be with the patient at a time.

Visitors to Pediatric Patients

  • Pediatric inpatients can have 1 caregiver with them around the clock. Up to 3 additional visitors, age 8 or older, are permitted during visiting hours (for a total of up to 3 visitors at the bedside a time). Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Pediatric inpatient caregivers can switch during visiting hours. Please talk to your care team before switching caregivers to ensure a smooth transition. 
  • Two caregivers are permitted to attend Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center (PACC) appointments.

Updated May 8, 2023