Visitation Restrictions Loosened At Lifespan Hospitals

PROVIDENCE, RI — As Rhode Island's COVID-19 numbers continue to fall and hospitalizations fall to pre-surge levels, one of the state's largest hospital groups is loosening restrictions on visitors. Lifespan still requires that visitors show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test upon entry.

As the omicron surge peaked in January, Lifespan severely restricted visitation in hospitals to limited hours in the afternoon and just two visitors per hospital stay, total.

Visitors at all Lifespan hospitals must show a photo ID and proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours. Exceptions can be made on a case-by case bases for end-of-life visits, parents of young patients, birthing partners or an escort for a patient with a disability. All visitors must be at least 18 years old and will be required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.

Inside the hospital, visitors are asked to maintain social distance, go directly to the patient's room and limit elevators to four people or fewer. Visitors can visit the cafeteria, but must remain masked when not actively eating.

Here's a look at the current visitation policies for each Lifespan hospital.

Rhode Island Hospital

• Visiting hours: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., last entry 6:30 p.m.
• Behavior health visiting hours: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Up to two visitors per patient, per visit, with a limit of six visitors total during the stay.
• Adults in the emergency department can have one person with them during intake.

Hasbro Children's Hospital

• Two assigned parent caregivers per child, per hospital stay, along with two additional visitors total. All visitors must be at least 18 years old, including siblings.
• Only two people allowed at the bedside at a time.
• Visitors allowed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with one parent allowed to stay during the overnight hours.

Miriam Hospital

• All visitors must be at least 18 years old.
• Visitors must show picture ID upon entry.
• Visiting hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Each patient can have two visitors per three-hour visiting period.
• Adult emergency room patients can have one person with them during intake.

Newport Hospital

• Most adult areas: two visitors allowed per visitation session, hours vary by department.
• Behavioral health: One visit for the duration of the stay; visiting hours 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Maternity: One birthing partner and a doula allowed for the duration of the stay.
• Emergency department: one person allowed to accompany adult patients during intake.