Visiting Hours
The Ohio State University Medical Center encourages and facilitates visitation in a manner that promotes healing, balances the needs of all patients and visitors, and creates a safe and secure environment. Visitation is 24 hours a day in most areas of OSU Medical Center however, certain areas may have shorter visitation due to special patient conditions. Please check with staff in the patient care unit to confirm the policy for that area.
Visiting and Waiting Areas
All inpatient floors have a family waiting room located near the elevators. The James also features day rooms on floors 8, 9 and 10. Day rooms offer a variety of recreational activities, such as games and puzzles, for all patients and visitors. For a quiet place for thought and reflection, The James offers a small meditation room on the first floor. Check with staff at the information desk in the lobby for location and availability.
Children Who Are Visiting
Children 12 years of age and younger may visit patients in their rooms (with the permission of the nursing staff) or in the family waiting room on each floor. Children under 12 may not generally visit patient rooms on the Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit (third floor).
Cell Phones and Electronic Equipment
For the safety of our patients, cell phones and other radio transmitting devices may not be used in patient care areas. They must be turned off, not just placed on standby. Signals from these devices can interfere with patient care equipment and put patients in danger. Unit nursing staff need to approve all electronic equipment that you would like to use during your stay.
Disease Precautions
Staff are careful when treating patients in order to prevent the spread of infection. For your health and that of other patients, visitors and staff, we ask that you join us in preventing the spread of infection by following these simple guidelines:
§ Wash your hands often! For example: before eating and after using the restroom, blowing your nose, sneezing, coughing or handling public items such as telephones and money. Wash with soap and water for 10 to 15 seconds and rinse in order to clean germs away.
§ Do not visit a patient if you are ill. If you must visit, wash your hands before you visit and ask a staff member for a mask.
§ Live plants and cut flowers are not permitted in The James because they may contribute to infections in patients. Only mylar balloons are permitted; no rubber or latex balloons are allowed in The James, due to allergy concerns.
Smoking
At the Ohio State University Medical Center we’re committed to creating the future of medicine to improve people’s lives. That’s why all OSU Medical Center locations – inside and outside – are tobacco-free. Patients and visitors should talk with their physicians about Nicotine Replacement Therapy prior to coming to the hospital.
