Hospital visiting hours and policies
Your encouragement as the friend or family member of a patient can help support the healing process. Before you visit, familiarize yourself with policies that apply to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula guests.
Effective April 13, 2022
All visitors
- Must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination (it’s been two weeks or more since your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or two weeks or more since your single dose of Janssen/Johnson & Johnson)
Or
- Have a negative COVID-19 test result within*:
- 48 hours for a PCR test
- 24 hours for an antigen (rapid) test
- Should not have any infectious symptoms such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing, or vomiting
- Must not have been recently diagnosed with COVID-19
- Must wear a hospital-issued mask at all times
- Must be age 14 and older
*Some exceptions apply to those who have documented COVID-19 and have recovered in the last 90 days. For those visiting on consecutive days, a test is required every three days.
Documentation required for vaccinated visitors
Proof of full vaccination may be provided by only one of the following:
- COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (issued by the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention or WHO Yellow Card) which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided, and date last dose administered)
- A photo of a Vaccination Record Card as a separate document
- A photo of the client’s Vaccination Record Card stored on a phone or electronic device
- Documentation of COVID-19 vaccination from a healthcare provider
- Digital record including a QR code that when scanned by a SMART Health Card reader displays client name, date of birth, vaccine dates, and vaccine type
Documentation required for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated visitors
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated visitors are eligible for indoor visits only if they can show:
- Documentation of a negative COVID-19 test where the specimen collection occurred before each visit and for which the test results are available at the time of entry to the facility.
- Visitors may use either PCR testing (within 48 hours) or antigen testing (within 24 hours). Any PCR or antigen test used must either have Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or be operating per the Laboratory Developed Test requirements by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
- At-home COVID-19 tests will be accepted, but require the following proof:
- A photo of the negative test AND
- A photo of the box the test came in that shows the Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Inpatient visitation
- Limited to four visitors per day, with a maximum of two visitors at a time.
- All visitors must stay in patient rooms
Exceptions include:
- No visitors in Garden Pavilion
- No visitors are allowed for COVID-10 patients in isolation, some exceptions apply for end-of-life
- End-of-life patients may have six visitors per day, maintaining the maximum of two visitors at a time
Visitor hours are from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (ICU: Noon–6 p.m.)
Westland House – see separate visitor policy
Outpatient visitation
- Emergency department – may be accompanied by one support person throughout their visit
- Surgery/procedures waiting rooms – one support person is permitted to wait in a designated area
- Other outpatient services – may be accompanied by one support person throughout their visit
Visiting guidelines
Check in when you arrive
Before you visit a patient, you must check in at the hospital’s main entrance. You’ll need to provide identification (ID), proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of your visit, and have your photo taken for security purposes.
We’ll provide a temporary badge for you to wear during your visit. Please return it when you leave.
Can children visit?
Community Hospital welcomes visitors ages 14 years and older.
Cell phone policy
Cell phones are allowed in patient rooms and public areas of the hospital. You can also make local calls using our public phones in our waiting areas.
Can I bring food or beverages for a patient?
You must get permission from a patient’s nurse before bringing food or beverages to the hospital for a patient. This lets us make sure the item is safe for them and allowed according to the diet prescribed by their doctor. The smell of certain foods may be unpleasant to some patients.
Handwashing and infection prevention
Help us stop the spread of germs. Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer frequently during your visit and before you interact with patients. If you don’t feel well or you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms, do not visit.
Noise policy and quiet time
Quiet hours are always in effect. Help us make Community Hospital a place for peace and healing by staying as quiet as possible in patient rooms and throughout the facility.
Smoking policy
Community Hospital is a smoke-free environment. Visitors may smoke only in their cars.
Video chats available
To increase connection with families, Community Hospital offers patients assistance with video and phone call visits. Patients may ask their nurse to make arrangements for an online chat.
Visitor resources
Take advantage of services and amenities to make your experience a positive one. Let a member of our staff know if you have questions or concerns at any time during your visit.
Cafeteria and dining services
Learn about dining options for hospital visitors at Fountain Court Café.
Internet access (Wi-Fi)
Free wireless internet access is available throughout the hospital.
Language assistance
If you or your loved one would benefit from the services of a translator or interpreter, explore language assistance we offer to patients, their caregivers, and families.
Safety and security
Review specific safety policies and services, including availability of 24/7 hospital Security staff.
Share your feedback
Let us know about a positive experience at Community Hospital or a healthcare provider, staff member, or volunteer who made a difference. Share your story with us. We also appreciate receiving your thoughts or suggestions on how we can improve.
Spiritual support
Take time for your well-being and peace of mind by visiting one of the hospital’s dedicated spaces for reflection, such as our koi pond or meditation room. You can also request to talk to a hospital chaplain who offers compassionate guidance, whatever your faith background.
Locating Community Hospital
Check out helpful information for Community Hospital visitors, including driving directions, a hospital campus map, parking information, and more.
Help a loved one prepare for their care
Learn what patients can expect before, during, and after their stay.
