- Home
- »
- Visitor Information
Visitor Information
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visitor restrictions have been implemented. Please view the latest restrictions here.
For more information about COVID-19, click here.
All approved companions must pass a health screening and will be subject to a health screening at any time. An appropriate mask will be provided to companions during the screening process if they don’t already have one. Companions will be required to wear the mask at all times and will not be allowed to remain in the hospital or clinic without one regardless of the reason they provide for being unable to wear a mask.
OMH promotes and supports a patient and family centered approach to care. We recognize and encourage family members as partners in the care of the patient. Family member presence is critical to the recovery process by providing support and comfort and as an ally for quality and safety.
DEFINITIONS:
Family - Family is always defined by the patient. Family is a person or group of people significant for the patient's well-being, including but not limited to parents, children, spouse, domestic partner, neighbors, or friends. Family members are the people who provide the primary physical, psychological, or emotional support for the patient. When the patient is unable to define family, the patient's designated representative will provide this definition. Family members do not need to be related to the patient by blood or by law and are defined by the patient.
Care Partner - A Care Partner is a spokesperson at least 18 years old and considered family as defined above designated by the patient to facilitate effective communication among extended family members and hospital staff. Minors - Individuals who are under the age of eighteen (18).
Visitor - Visitors are guests of the patient or family. In some cases, visitors may be relatives. Visitors have restricted times during which they may see the patient to promote a healing and restful environment.
GUIDELINES:
The participation of family and visitors should be flexible in order to respond to the diverse and changing needs and preferences of each patient; deal with unanticipated and unique circumstances that arise; and assure the safety of patients, families, and staff.
Hours
A. Family members are welcome 24 hours a day.
B. The patient or the patient's designated representative, in conjunction with the primary nurse and healthcare team, may make visitation limitations.
C. Special considerations that determine the amount of time the family and visitors spend with the patient include:
1. Clinical and emotional needs of the patient. Examples include exhaustion, overstimulation, or marked increase in agitation.
2. Infection control policies.
3. The need to maintain a sterile environment during bedside procedures.
4. Limitations as requested by the patient or patient's representative.
5. Space limitations in patient rooms that may hinder care being performed by clinical staff members.
6. There is a legal reason that is documented in the chart (e.g., a restraining order, or the patient is in legal custody with a court order prohibiting visitors).
7. Behavior that creates a direct risk or threat to patients, families, staff, or others in the immediate environment or is disruptive to the functioning of the patient care unit.
8. A patient in a dual occupancy room requires immediate lifesaving measures or a sensitive/private discussion. Decisions to restrict or limit presence are left up to the discretion of the staff and physicians and must be discussed with the patient and documented in the medical record.
D. Visitors are encouraged to visit during the hospital visitation hours of 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. These restrictions are for visitors and not family members. The eight special considerations noted above apply to visitors. To help patients recover and to not overly tire patients, visits should be brief, quiet and pleasant.
E. OMH encourages a quiet and healing environment when at all possible. We have designated quiet hours through our Silent Hospitals Help Healing initiative. The quiet hour is from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. An overhead announcement will commence the quiet hour. We ask visitors to allow this time for patients to rest. Quiet time is based on individual patient preference.
Procedure
At the beginning of an ambulatory care experience, inpatient stay, or emergency room visit, patients are asked to define their "Family" and "Care Partner" and how they will be involved in care and decision making. Any available designated representative, such as a power of attorney for healthcare, will be identified. Patient preferences will be clarified regarding who may be present during rounds, change of shift report, exams, and procedures. These preferences will be documented in the chart and communicated consistently and comprehensively to all who are involved in the patient's care. The Care Partner, as designated by the patient, will be given an Onslow Memorial Hospital Care Partner Badge. He/she should wear badge at all times when in the hospital. The patient may change the preferences during the hospital stay. The patient shall be informed of his or her right to withdraw, grant, or alter his or her preferences regarding the identity of visitors and the scope of visitation by those designated by the patient to be visitors and family. The identity of visitors and the scope of visitation may be limited based on the professional judgment of the hospital's staff while taking into account the best interest of the patient. Any limitation to the identity of visitors or the scope of visitation as well as the reason for such limitations shall be disclosed to the patient.
Considerations
A. Minors:
1. Generally, visitors are not restricted based upon age; however, minors who require adult supervision may have limited access when the necessary supervision is not available.
2. Minor visitors who require adult supervision are expected to remain with the supervising adult.
3. A minor visitor's behavior will be monitored by the nursing staff to ensure a safe and restful environment for the patient and a positive and developmentally appropriate experience for the children.
4. There may be unique and extenuating circumstances that require compassionate exceptions to these guidelines. It is recommended the primary nurse and the healthcare team, in collaboration with the patient or the patient's designated representative, use professional judgment when making decisions on the level of participation of minors.
B. Families, visitors, and Care Partners whose loved ones are sharing rooms with other patients are expected to be respectful and honor their privacy. There may be times when families and visitors are asked to temporarily step out of the room to honor the privacy and special needs of the other patient.
C. Disruptive behavior and unsafe practices are not acceptable; these situations, while usually rare, will be addressed directly and promptly.
Entry Process
A. Family and visitors should always wash hands each time they enter and leave the patient room or unit.
B. Family and visitors should follow all isolation precautions as instructed by nursing staff.
C. Family and visitors are asked not to come to the hospital if they are feeling ill or have signs of, or have recently been exposed to, communicable illnesses or infections.
D. To maintain the privacy of other patients, family and visitors should only enter the room of the patient that they are here to spend time with.
E. To maintain patient privacy and minimize disturbances to other patients and families, congregating outside in the hallways is discouraged.
F. To facilitate the rest and recovery of all patients, family members and visitors should be mindful and sensitive to the needs of other patients and families by keeping noise to a minimum.
Visitors are encouraged to visit during the hospital visitation hours of 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. These restrictions are for visitors and not family members. To help patients recover and to not overly tire patients, visits should be brief, quiet and pleasant.
Quiet Hour
OMH encourages a quiet and healing environment when at all possible. We have designated quiet hours through our Silent Hospitals Help Healing initiative. The quiet hour is from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. An overhead announcement will commence the quiet hour. We ask visitors to allow this time for patients to rest. Quiet time is based on individual patient preference.
Child guests
Generally, visitors are not restricted based upon age; however, minors who require adult supervision may have limited access when the necessary supervision is not available. Minors must be attended at all times by an adult visitor while in any area of the hospital. Patients are here to recover, and while a young person can often be a source of great joy, loud noises or disruptive behavior from children (or their parents) can unintentionally undermine the healing process of our patients. Please help us maintain a calm, peaceful environment.
What if you, the visitor, are not in good health?
The spread of many viruses can be avoided by thorough hand washing, and by coughing or sneezing into the bend of your arm (not into your hands or into the air). We ask that you wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer every single time before entering a patient’s room.
If visitors are suffering from any type of illness, have recently been exposed to a communicable disease (even if you think you don’t have it), have a fever (even a minor one) or have a rash, we ask that you do NOT visit a patient. Instead, please consider calling or sending a card to let the patient know you are thinking of them.
Where can I park? Do I need to pay?
Convenient Visitor Parking areas are clearly designated at the front of the hospital. There is no charge—you are our guest! Handicapped parking can be found in every Visitor Lot. If you are picking up a discharged patient, we ask that you park in the Visitor Parking area until the patient has been released, at which time you can then use the drive-through canopy area to pick up the patient.
Can I get to the hospital via public transportation?
Yes, and there are two options:
- Onslow United Transit System (OUTS) can provide you with non-emergency transportation services through our Demand Response or Dial-a-Ride program. The OUTS hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. To request transportation, please call OUTS at (910) 346-2998. If you are hearing- or speech-impaired, call (800) 735-2962 (TTD) or (800) 735-8262 (voice).
- Jacksonville Transit makes stops at Onslow Memorial Hospital throughout the day. Online, go to www.ci.jacksonville.nc.us and click on “Jacksonville Transit.” Or, you can call (910) 938-RIDE (7433) Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for personalized help with bus routes.
Is there a special visitor entrance?
No, please use the front entrance to Onslow Memorial Hospital and ask the volunteer at the front desk for assistance in locating and directing you to the patient you are visiting.
Is there an ATM in the hospital?
Yes. It is located near the cafeteria on the first floor of the hospital.
Does Onslow have patient and visitor security?
Absolutely. Hospital Security personnel are constantly available to address issues and protect any patient who expresses a personal security concern or feels harassed by any guest. In addition, our visitors should feel safe on our premises.
Do I need to call ahead to visit a patient?
No, you do not. However, please make sure the area of the hospital to be visited has no special hours or restrictions (for example, Labor and Delivery or the Intensive Care Unit) before coming to the hospital.
Where can I eat?
You are invited to enjoy our Onslow Memorial Hospital cafeteria, now with a seating capacity of 150, where you’ll find superior quality and a wide selection of menu items, featuring our hot entrée bar, 30-item salad bar, and our grill, serving your favorite short-order items. The cafeteria is open 24 hours a day (with brief closings for cleaning and preparation), 7 days a week.
Our Food and Nutrition Services Department offers several special programs. For example, we provide one guest tray, free of charge, at each meal for a pediatric patient’s family member or visitor. In addition, it is our policy to offer you complimentary coffee and/or ice tea in our cafeteria while you are here visiting a patient.
May I stay overnight with a patient who is a family member?
The answer to that question is “sometimes yes.” However, visitors must receive permission from the charge nurse or the patient’s attending physician. One parent or legal guardian is permitted to stay overnight with their child on the Pediatric Unit. When staying overnight is not a viable option, please know that we are always here to answer your phone calls and keep you updated on the status of a patient, day or night.
Is there a chapel or quiet place?
Yes, and you are welcome to visit it. The Chapel is located just off the main lobby on the first floor and is open to everyone for quiet meditation and prayer. In addition, there are gazebos and picnic tables outside the front of the hospital. Near the Onslow Radiation Oncology Center, patients and their guests can relax on a bench in the healing garden, a project of Leadership Jacksonville-Onslow.
Pastoral Volunteer Committee members are always available, but only at the request of a patient and/or family member as we respect a patient’s right to all decisions regarding spiritual care.
May I send a small gift or flowers to a patient?
Yes, and that would be wonderful! Our Gift Shop volunteers can help you with your choice, take your order, and see that it is delivered to the patient’s room. The Onslow Memorial Hospital Gift Shop can be reached directly at (910) 577-2547. Hours of operation are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday hours vary, but the shop is generally open 1-4 p.m. on those days.
May I call a patient’s room?
In many situations, yes. Again, the answer to that question will depend on the location and status of the patient. For example, directly calling a patient who is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) may not be possible; however, if you are a family member, you will be able to call the ICU for information and updates on your loved one’s condition, day or night. Onslow Memorial Hospital Main Number: (910) 577-2345
Mail and flowers should be addressed to patients by name, in care of:
Onslow Memorial Hospital
317 Western Blvd.
Jacksonville, NC 28546
Main menu
- About Us
- About Our Hospital
- News
- Onslow Education
- Map & Directions
- Awards & Recognition
- CEO's Corner
- Phone Directory
- Cancer Accreditation
- Annual Report
- Governance & Leadership
- Partnership for Patients
- Patient & Family Advisory Council
- Onslow Education - Students
- Onslow Education - Faculty
- Community Health Needs Assessment
- Organizational Values
- Commitment to Quality
- Compliance
- Services
- Patient & Visitor Information
- Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources
- Here's What We are Doing to Keep You Safe
- Patient Information
- Visitor Information
- Phone Directory
- Telehealth
- Parking & Locations
- Find a Physician
- Find a Physician
- Patient Medical Records
- Health & Safety
- Patient Rights & Forms
- Gift Shop
- Patient Services
- Patient Quality of Care
- Patient Experience
- Estimate My Cost
- Patient Portal
- Billing Information
- Patient Assistance Program
- Flu Season 2020
- Healthcare Wishes
- OMH Cafeteria
- Physicians
- Community Involvement
- Careers
- Contact Us