Visiting Southern NH Medical Center

Visitor Policy: Effective December 28, 2021

At this time, children under the age of 18 are not able to visit due to the significant increase in the community transmission of COVID-19 and visitation is prohibited if you have travelled internationally in the last 14 days. Exception: You are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. You must provide the vaccination documentation to be allowed to enter the facility.

Exceptions: ​

• BirthPlace: One support person/visitor for the duration of the patient’s stay, this visitor will remain the same for the duration of the patient’s stay.
• Pediatrics/Special Care Nursery: Up to two parents or guardians for the duration of the patient’s stay.
• Emergency Department: No visitors. Exception: pediatric patients may alternate parent/caregiver if absolutely needed.
• Ambulatory practice office visits and Immediate Care visits: patients, who need emotional or physical support during their outpatient procedure/consult visit, may have one designated support person attend the appointment with them. Exceptions may be made for pediatric population. Proper precautions will be followed to contain the spread of infection.
• Med/Surg Units: One adult support person/caregiver per day between the hours of 1-8pm (this visitor will remain the same for the duration of the patient’s stay).
• ICU: One adult support person/caregiver per day between the hours of 1-8pm (this visitor will remain the same for the duration of the patient’s stay). Visits are at the discretion of the care team.
• BHU: One adult support person/caregiver (who will remain the same visitors for the duration of the patient’s stay) between the hours of 6-8pm.

• Outpatient procedural areas: patients, who need emotional or physical support during their outpatient procedure/consult visit, may have one designated support person attend the appointment with them. Proper precautions will be followed to contain the spread of infection.
• Pastoral Care: pastors or priests may visit COVID-negative patients for daily prayer support. They must be screened before entry into the hospital and must wear a mask the entire time they are in the building. They will wear eye protection and follow standard precautions when visiting with the patient.
• Covid negative patients that are End- of- Life/ Palliative Care: (anticipated passing within the next 24-48 hours) will be allowed immediate family (spouse, children, and significant other) to have a visit in order to say goodbye. Timing of this visit is based on the patient and family wishes. Two family members may be allowed for an additional visit.  The family member(s) remains the same for the duration of visits
• Visitation of Covid-positive patients is not allowed unless the patient is end of life (anticipated passing within the next 24 – 48 hours). 
  • The family will be offered virtual visit to communicate with the patient. 
  • If virtual visit is not possible, one visit is permitted.  The visitor(s) will be provided the attached End of Life letter indicating the need to self-quarantine for 14 days following the visit.
  • Any visitor who has been approved to see a COVID positive patient must meet the nurse at the entrance of the nursing unit.  The nurse will accompany the visitor(s) to the entrance of the patient room and assist them with properly donning and doffing PPE.

Please note, at all Southern New Hampshire Health locations, patients with disabilities who need assistance due to the specifics of their disability may have one (1) designated support person with them. Specific needs may be due to altered mental status, intellectual or cognitive disability, communication barriers, or behavioral concerns. If a patient with a disability requires an accommodation that involves the presence of a family member, personal care assistant, or similar disability service provider who is knowledgeable about the management of their care, to physically or emotionally assist them during their hospitalization, this will be allowed with proper infection prevention precautions. 
 
To help you plan your visit to the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, please note the following:

• You should enter through the Main entrance at 8 Prospect Street
• Valet Parking will be available at the Main entrance (or you may park in the parking garage)
• Please plan to wear a mask at all times, and to be screened when you enter
• Upon your arrival, you will be given directions as to where your procedure or test is scheduled 

Click here for the latest updates and more information on COVID-19.