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
At Washington Hospital, we recognize that family and friends are critically
important to patient healing. While COVID-19 has warranted strict visitation
restrictions to minimize the risk of infectious diseases throughout the
Hospital, we have revised our visitation guidelines in accordance with
the California Department of Public Health guidance.
Starting Monday, June 21, Washington Hospital patients without COVID-19
are allowed
two visitors per day between the hours of 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Visitors must be 18 years
of age or older. Exceptions to the policy are determined by the care team
and include parents of newborn and pediatric patients; and end-of-life
situations.
For technology options to help facilitate communication with patients in
the Hospital, please call our Serivce Desk at 510.818.7099.
Self-Screening Prior to Entry
Beginning Monday, June 21, everyone entering any Hospital building or clinic
is required to self-screen for symptoms prior to entering. This means
that every patient, visitor, employee, physician and volunteer must pass
the self-screening process prior to entry.
Additionally, we still require that you sanitize your hands before you
enter. Hand sanitizer is conveniently available at all entrances and throughout
our buildings and clinics.
Masks are still required in health care settings
California reopened on June 15 because vaccines are working and COVID-19
cases are down in our community and throughout the state. We are thrilled
to be here and thank you for everything you’ve done over the past
year and a half to help us get to this point.
However, for your safety and that of all patients and their loved ones
– as well as our employees, physicians and volunteers – we
remind you that face coverings continue to be required in health care
settings. This includes all Washington Hospital Healthcare System buildings
and clinics. And wearing a mask applies to everyone, including those who
are fully vaccinated. The CDC, the State Health Department, and our infectious
disease experts agree that masking in the health care setting is a best
practice. Please wear the hospital-issued mask that is available at our
building and clinic entrances.
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.