Patient Information

Availability of Language Assistance Services

Washington Hospital offers free interpreter services to our patients, including video-remote interpreters in American Sign Language. If your English is limited or you are speech or hearing impaired, please ask your doctor, nurse or other staff member to arrange for interpreter services at no cost to you. If you have a question or a concern regarding these services, please contact the Compliance Department at 510.818.7400.

Visitor’s Guide to Washington Hospital

Temporary Visitor Restrictions

For your safety and in response to the shelter-in-place directive, starting Wednesday, March 18, we will not be allowing visitors in the Main Hospital and the Morris Hyman Critical Care Pavilion, with a few exceptions.

• Patients will designate a single individual who will be the point of contact for all information and conversations with your care team
• Point of contact will be responsible for sharing information with other family members or loved ones that should have this information
• A member of your care team will contact the designated point of contact at least once a day for a regular update, or more frequently if there are significant changes in your condition or care
• Exceptions to this policy will be determined by the caregiving team, which include end-of-life situations, parent of newborn and pediatric patients

We know that this change is not going to be easy. Please know this change is to ensure everyone's health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic and to comply with the shelter-in-place directive. For technology options to help facilitate communication with patients in the Hospital, please call our HELP desk at 510.818.7099.

Other important information:

• The entire Washington Hospital campus (including parking lots and all related health care entities) are tobacco- and smoke/vape–free zones. The use of any tobacco products -- smoking, vaping or chewing of tobacco, or any other substance such as marijuana cigarettes, e-cigarettes, pipes, and cigars -- is strictly prohibited.
• For everyone's safety, we have implemented security measures that include:
  • All personal items, such as backpacks, purses and totes, are subject to search; we appreciate your cooperation with the security person outside the Main Hospital lobby
  • Everyone must check in at the front desk
  • Valid ID must be presented by each person and a visitor badge with their name and photo will be issued before leaving the Hospital main lobby; visible visitor badges must be worn at all times while in the Hospital
  • An ID must be shown every day to receive a visitor’s badge

Consideration for the comfort and safety of our patients is our first priority. Nursing staff, in collaboration with the patient, may alter visiting hours and regulations at their discretion, as warranted by the patient’s condition, family circumstances and environment. It is understood that visitors may be asked to leave if their presence is stressful to the patient or in conflict with the treatment plan.