Abington Hospital Visiting Hours – What time are visitors allowed at Abington Hospital? If you’re planning to visit a loved one, knowing the exact Abington Hospital visiting hours is crucial to ensuring your visit goes smoothly. Whether you’re visiting the ICU, maternity, or general wards, it’s important to be well-prepared and aware of any restrictions.
Abington Hospital has implemented clear guidelines for visitors, which vary depending on the unit you plan to visit. The hospital aims to balance patient care with family visits, but certain protocols must be followed to ensure everyone’s safety.
Understanding Abington Hospital visiting hours is especially important if you’re navigating strict schedules for departments like the ICU or pediatric units. Each section of the hospital may have different policies, making it essential to know what to expect.
This article will guide you through the visiting hours and protocols at Abington Hospital, providing key details that can help you prepare for your visit, avoid unnecessary delays, and ensure a smooth experience.
Abington Hospital Visiting Hours
Abington Hospital has well-defined visiting hours to ensure patients receive the care they need while maintaining essential contact with their loved ones. Understanding the specifics of these hours helps visitors plan their trips, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
Weekday and Weekend Visiting Schedules
Visiting hours during the week at Abington Hospital typically follow a structured schedule. From Monday to Friday, visitors are generally allowed between 11:00 AM and 8:00 PM, ensuring ample time for friends and family to visit their loved ones.
The hospital maintains this schedule for general wards, but some units may have more restrictive hours, particularly high-care departments like the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
On weekends, the visiting schedule remains similar, though it’s advised to double-check specific units or any special events that might alter the standard times. Always refer to the department’s guidelines to avoid any complications or delays during your visit.
Special Holiday Visiting Hours
Visiting hours during holidays can differ from the regular schedule, depending on the hospital’s internal policies and any special circumstances such as ongoing health crises or public safety guidelines.
On major holidays, the hospital may limit visiting hours or adjust schedules based on staff availability and patient needs.
For example, during periods of high visitor demand, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, the hospital might encourage visitors to plan their visits in shorter blocks to accommodate more people, especially in highly frequented areas like maternity or post-operative wards.
It’s always advisable to check the hospital’s announcements or contact the information desk for real-time updates around these dates.
How to Schedule a Visit in Advance
To ensure a smooth visit, scheduling your visit in advance is highly recommended. This is particularly important in units with restricted access, such as the ICU, maternity, or behavioral health wards, where visitor numbers may be limited.
Here’s how to schedule:
- Call the hospital’s main line or visit their official website for information on visitation policies.
- Choose your preferred date and time within the designated visiting hours.
- Confirm any necessary safety protocols, such as wearing masks or completing a health screening.
For departments with stricter protocols, such as the ICU, pre-booking your visit not only ensures compliance but also allows hospital staff to manage the flow of visitors without disrupting patient care.
Other United States Hospital Visiting Hours:
By following these guidelines and planning ahead, visitors can ensure a seamless experience when visiting their loved ones at Abington Hospital.
ICU and Specialized Unit Visiting Hours at Abington Hospital
Visiting patients in critical care or specialized units at Abington Hospital requires adhering to specific policies designed to ensure patient well-being and safety.
Understanding the visiting guidelines for units like the ICU, pediatric, and maternity wards is crucial for planning your visit.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Visiting Hours
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Abington Hospital has stricter visiting hours compared to other departments due to the critical nature of patient care.
Typically, visiting hours are limited to short time blocks, usually between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM, though exceptions may be made for emergencies or special cases.
Key ICU guidelines include:
- Visitor Limit: Only two visitors are allowed at a time to minimize patient exposure to external factors.
- Health and Safety: Visitors are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, and practice hand hygiene before entering the ICU.
- Quiet Environment: Visitors are asked to keep noise to a minimum to maintain a restful atmosphere for all patients in the unit.
Patients in the ICU may be more vulnerable, making it essential to follow all hospital protocols closely.
Pediatric Unit Visitation Policies
For children admitted to the pediatric unit, visitation policies are designed with both the patient’s comfort and health in mind.
Parents or legal guardians are encouraged to stay with their child as much as possible, and one parent or guardian may stay overnight.
Visitation details for the pediatric unit include:
- Unlimited Parent Access: Parents or guardians are allowed to visit 24/7, ensuring their child receives emotional support throughout their stay.
- Visitor Limits for Others: Apart from parents, only one additional visitor is permitted at a time, and visiting hours for non-guardians are typically between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
- Health Protocols: As with all units, visitors must follow strict hygiene protocols, including mask-wearing and handwashing, especially during flu season or health emergencies like COVID-19.
This family-centered approach aims to create a comforting environment while maintaining the health and safety of the young patients.
Maternity Ward Visiting Guidelines
Visiting a new mother in the maternity ward at Abington Hospital comes with some flexibility, but there are guidelines to ensure both the mother and newborn remain safe and comfortable. The visiting hours here are generally open between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM.
Key guidelines include:
- Limited Visitors During Labor: During labor and delivery, only one or two support persons are allowed, which typically includes the mother’s partner or a doula.
- Postpartum Visiting Hours: After delivery, the number of visitors allowed is limited to avoid overwhelming the new mother and infant.
- Sibling Visits: Older siblings of the newborn are allowed to visit but must be accompanied by an adult and be in good health to avoid spreading infections to the baby.
By adhering to these policies, families can enjoy time with their new addition while ensuring a peaceful recovery environment for both mother and baby.
COVID-19 Protocols for Visitors
Abington Hospital continues to prioritize the health and safety of its patients and staff by enforcing strict COVID-19 protocols for all visitors.
These measures are designed to minimize the risk of virus transmission, especially in sensitive areas of the hospital, such as high-risk units.
Masking and Social Distancing Requirements
All visitors are required to wear masks during their time in the hospital, regardless of vaccination status. This rule is in line with guidelines set forth by health authorities to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Visitors must ensure that their masks cover both the nose and mouth at all times while on the hospital premises.
In addition to masking, maintaining social distance is also crucial. Visitors should stay at least six feet away from patients and hospital staff whenever possible.
Waiting areas and patient rooms are arranged to facilitate social distancing, with limited seating and clear signage to guide visitors. Compliance with these rules is strictly monitored to protect both patients and hospital personnel.
Restrictions for High-Risk Units
Certain units, such as the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and those treating immunocompromised patients, have more stringent visitation policies.
These high-risk areas are often subject to additional restrictions, including reduced visiting hours or a complete suspension of in-person visits during COVID-19 surges.
Visitors to these units are typically required to undergo a health screening, including a temperature check and questionnaire, before entry.
In some cases, visits to high-risk units may only be permitted under exceptional circumstances, such as critical care situations.
The hospital may also limit the number of visitors or enforce time limits on how long they can stay with patients in these sensitive areas.
Special Circumstances
In the deeply emotional context of end-of-life care, Abington Hospital provides compassionate exceptions to the general COVID-19 visitation rules. Family members of terminally ill patients are often allowed to visit, even if strict COVID-19 protocols are in place.
To ensure safety, visitors for end-of-life situations must still adhere to health screenings, wear protective gear, and follow distancing guidelines.
However, the hospital makes efforts to facilitate more relaxed visitation conditions in these cases, allowing families to spend meaningful time with their loved ones during their final moments.
These visits are coordinated directly with hospital staff, ensuring that the needs of both the family and patient are met while maintaining safety protocols.
Parking and Accessibility for Visitors
When visiting Abington Hospital, it’s essential to be familiar with the parking options and accessibility features available for visitors.
The hospital provides several parking lots and services to ensure ease of access for everyone, including those with special mobility needs.
Parking Lot Locations and Fees
Abington Hospital offers multiple parking lots conveniently located near the main entrances and key departments.
Visitors can park in designated lots, including the Visitor Parking Garage, which is located adjacent to the main hospital building, providing easy access to the lobby and outpatient services.
Additional parking spaces are available near specialized units like the Maternity Wing and Emergency Department.
- Fees: Parking fees vary depending on the duration of the stay, but generally, the first 30 minutes are free, with a nominal charge for longer stays. Visitors can expect to pay around $2 for the first hour and a capped maximum of $10 for a full day.
- Payment Options: Fees can be paid using cash, credit cards, or contactless payment systems at kiosks located within the parking garage.
It’s recommended to validate your parking ticket at the main desk if you are visiting for an extended period, as the hospital occasionally offers discounted parking for long-term visitors.
Wheelchair Access and Special Assistance
Abington Hospital is committed to providing accessible services to all visitors. Each parking lot features designated spaces for individuals with disabilities, ensuring proximity to the hospital entrances.
Wheelchair ramps are strategically placed at all main entry points, making it easy for those with mobility challenges to navigate.
For visitors needing additional assistance:
- Wheelchairs: Available at the main entrance and emergency department. Visitors can request them at the reception desk.
- Assistance Services: Hospital staff or volunteers are on hand to provide help for those needing assistance from the parking lot to the main lobby or specific departments.
These services ensure that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can easily access the hospital’s facilities.
Directions to the Main Entrance and Departments
Navigating Abington Hospital is straightforward, thanks to clearly marked signs and accessible pathways leading from the parking areas to the main entrances and departments.
Visitors can follow the directional signs posted throughout the hospital grounds, or they can ask for maps at the Information Desk upon arrival.
- Main Entrance: The primary entrance is located directly off Old York Road, with parking lots and garages clearly labeled. From here, visitors can easily access general wards, outpatient services, and the cafeteria.
- Specialized Units: The maternity, ICU, and pediatric units have separate access points, though each is connected to the main building. Directions are available at key points throughout the hospital to assist visitors in finding these units.
To ensure a smooth experience, visitors are encouraged to arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time for parking and walking to their destination.
Visiting a loved one at Abington Hospital is straightforward when you’re familiar with the hospital’s specific guidelines. Understanding the Abington Hospital visiting hours and the requirements for different units ensures that your visit is smooth and hassle-free.
Before you head to the hospital, be sure to check for any updates on visiting policies, especially in high-risk areas or during special circumstances. Stay informed and make the most of your time with your loved ones.