Patient & Visitor Information | MedStar Georgetown University Hospital | MedStar Health

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Patient guide

Your comfort, safety, and experience are important to us.

Visitor information

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital promotes patient-centered care in a clinically safe and therapeutic environment. We are committed to treating patients, families, and visitors with respect. And we pledge to do everything we can to provide you with the greatest comfort possible while you are here.

Click the “plus symbol” (+) next to the sections below to see the information for that section.


  • Patient and Visitor Code of Conduct

    MedStar Health is committed to providing high-quality care to our patients and communities in a safe and respectful environment that supports health and healing. To ensure our hospitals and care locations are safe, caring, and inclusive, we ask that our patients and visitors adhere to our Patient and Visitor Code of Conduct detailed here.

    If our Code of Conduct guidelines are not followed, patients may be asked to leave and make other plans for their non-emergency care. Visitors may be asked to leave and could be restricted from future visitation.

    Every day, our providers, nurses, and associates are committed to providing the highest levels of care to our patients. Please show them the respect they deserve and that you expect as a patient or visitor. Thank you for joining us in our commitment to ensuring a safe, caring, and inclusive environment for us all.

     

  • Security/Check-in

    Please bring a photo ID with you and plan for an additional few minutes of time to check in and receive a daily MGUH patient or visitor ID badge. Badges include pictures and new badges are issued each day.

    The following hospital entrances will be available for patients and visitors:

    • Main Building: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

    • Verstandig Pavilion: Accessible 24/7 from P1 and Ground levels.

    • Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weekdays)

    • Emergency Department: 24/7 for emergencies and for hospital access after 9 p.m.

  • Masking Policy

    Face masks are optional for patients and visitors who are not displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or other viruses (cough, runny nose, sneezing, etc). However, masks may be required in certain areas/rooms in the hospital.

    A medical provider or patient may request that masks be worn in a patient’s room or treatment area. These requests should be respected and honored.

    Face masks are available onsite for patients and visitors.

  • Tobacco Free Policy

    As part of our vision to be the trusted leader in caring for people and advancing health, all MedStar Health facilities are tobacco-free. Smoking and the use of any tobacco products in or around our facilities is strictly prohibited. We appreciate your consideration and cooperation.

  • COVID-19 Patients and Those Being Tested for COVID-19

    • Patients who are confirmed COVID-19 positive or under investigation for COVID-19 are permitted two designated visitors during normal visiting hours.
    • All visitors must comply with isolation precautions using the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a surgical mask, N95 mask, gown, and gloves.
    • All visitors must wear the appropriate PPE and always keep their mask on while inside the room.
    • The same two visitors should stay in the patient’s room for the duration of their visit. Visitors are expected to be masked while in the patient room and may leave the room to use the restroom or get food/refreshments as needed prior to returning to the patient’s room.
    • If a visitor is identified as being COVID-19 positive, that person is not permitted to visit in-person; however, virtual visitation may be offered. 

Visitor hours and details by department

  • Emergency Department

    • Patients may have two (2) visitors.

    • Patients with disabilities may be accompanied by a support person who is not considered a visitor and is welcome at any time.

    • Visitors under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult visitor (not the patient) at all times.

  • Inpatient

    • General visitation guidelines

      • Visiting hours each day are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

      • Two (2) visitors at a time may be in a patient’s room.

      • Visitors under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult visitor at all times.

      • Overnight visitation may be considered if appropriate.

    • General Pediatrics / Pediatric Transplant / Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

      • Visiting hours each day are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

      • Two (2) visitors may be at the child’s bedside at a time; however, the clinical care team may determine exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

      • Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (not the patient)

      • One adult visitor may stay the night in the patient’s room.

  • Maternal and Newborn Units

    • Labor & Delivery

      • Three (3) visitors may be on the Labor & Delivery unit at a time during labor and non-surgical delivery; however, the clinical care team may determine exceptions on a case-by-case basis. 

      • No restrictions on hours for adult visitors.

      • Sibling visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (not the patient) and may visit only from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

    • Postpartum (Mother/Baby)

      • Two (2) visitors may be in the mother’s room at a time; however, the clinical care team may determine exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

      • Visiting hours each day are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

      • Sibling visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (not the patient).

    • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

      • Two (2) visitors may be at the child’s bedside at a time; however, the clinical care team may determine exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

      • No visitors under age 18 are allowed.

      • No restrictions on visiting hours.

  • Behavioral Health

    • Visiting hours are noon to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. daily.

    • Two visitors are allowed per patient at a time.

    • No visitors under age 18 are allowed.

    • Overnight visitation is not allowed.

  • Surgery and Post-Surgical Areas

    • Patients with disabilities (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act) may have one support person accompany them in pre-operative areas, phase I areas, and phase II areas. The support person does not count as a visitor.

    • Two visitors per patient are permitted in designated waiting rooms.

    • A visitor should be the patient’s responsible person (the person who will escort the patient upon discharge and/or assist in their care at home).

    • For patients less than 18 years of age:

      • One parent/guardian is permitted in pre-operative areas.

      • One parent/guardian may be reunited with their child in phase I recovery and permitted to remain until discharge home or transfer to inpatient setting.

    • In pre-operative areas, no visitors are allowed except for a designated supIf boarding overnight in the 7 West PACU, one visitor or support person is permitted from 3 - 8 p.m. No visitor switching is allowed during this time.port person for patients with disabilities.

    • In phase I areas, no visitors are allowed except for a designated support person for patients with disabilities.

    • In phase II areas, one visitor or support person may be permitted for the purpose of receiving discharge instructions or to assist the health care team in care delivery.

    • If boarding overnight in the 7 West PACU, one visitor or support person is permitted from 3 - 8 p.m. No visitor switching is allowed during this time.

  • Outpatient Procedures, Treatments, Services

    • Patients may have two (2) visitors.

    • Patients with disabilities may be accompanied by a support person who is not considered a visitor and is welcome at any time.

    • Visitors under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult visitor (not the patient) at all times.

  • Outpatient Physician Offices

    • Outpatients may have two (2) visitors accompany them to their appointment.

    • There is no age restriction for visitors to outpatient areas; however, children 12 years of age and under must be supervised by an adult visitor (not the patient) at all times.

  • Patients at End of Life/Hospice

    The general inpatient visitation guidelines are below, but the clinical care team may make exceptions on a case by case basis for patients in critical care, at end of life, or receiving hospice care.

    • Visiting hours each day are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

    • Two (2) visitors at a time may be in a patient’s room.

    • Visitors under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult visitor at all times.

    • Overnight visitation may be considered if appropriate.



Support persons for patients with disabilities

MedStar Health is committed to protecting patient rights for visitation and ensuring accommodations for patients with disabilities while providing a safe environment for our patients, visitors, and staff in accordance with MedStar Health’s Patient & Visitor Code of Conduct.

Our Support Persons for Patients with Disabilities policy is available here.

 


Dining options

  • Café Espresso

    Café Espresso is located on the first floor of the main building. It features Starbucks coffee and specialty drinks, breakfast sandwiches and pastries, grab-and-go sandwiches and salad, and beverages. It’s open seven days a week from 6:30 a.m to 6 p.m.

  • Georgetown Grab & Go Market

    Georgetown Grab & Go Market is located on the ground level of the Bles building. It features grab-and-go salads and sandwiches, hot breakfast options, and daily featured meal options, snacks, and beverages. It’s open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

  • Vending Machines

    Snack food vending machines are located on the ground floor in the Gorman building. Wellfound Foods vending machines are located on the 1st Floor and 3rd Floor of the Main building, offering freshly made sandwiches and other healthy options.

  • Starbucks Food and Beverage Kiosk

    Starbucks food and beverage kiosk is located on the Ground Floor lobby of the PHC building, near the information desk and outpatient pharmacy. Enjoy various food and beverage options, including:

    • Freshly brewed Starbucks coffee
    • Assorted teas
    • Assorted breakfast pastries
    • Bottled beverages
    • Variety of chips
    • York Street salads and sandwiches

    Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

    Please note, credit cards are the only accepted form of payment.

  • Leavey Conference Center*

    The Leavey Conference Center is located across the courtyard from the entrance to Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. It offers several options for both cafeteria-style and restaurant meals.

  • Epicurean*

    Epicurean is located across the courtyard from the Verstandig Pavilion entrance. It features a variety of food options including a buffet, deli, pizza station, noodle bar, and coffee.

*For the latest hours of operation, please visit Georgetown University Dining Hours.

North Gallery at the Leavey Center

Starbucks
Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Royal Jacket Delicatessen
Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Pre-Clinical Science Building

P.O.D. Market
Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Hoya Court at the Leavey Center

Chick-fil-A
Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Crop Chop
Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Hotel accommodations

Amenities and conveniences

After-hours vehicle safety services

Please call Protective Services at 202-444-3800, when you are ready to leave the hospital and a Protective Services department officer will escort you to your vehicle.

ATMs

An ATM (automated teller machine) is located on the 1st Floor of the Main building.

Gift shop

The gift shop, operated by Lori's Gifts, is located in the main building, first floor. Call 202-444-4181 for more information.

Medical records

For information on how to request medical records, please click here.

Lost and found

The Protective Services office operates the Lost and Found service. If you find or misplace an item, call 202-444-3800.

Notary public for inpatient

Notary services are arranged through the office of Patient Advocacy at 202-444-3040. Requests for a notary should be made in advance, and are provided by appointment between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. There is no charge for notary services to patients and families but donations for notary services provided are accepted for the Patient Sharing Fund.

Wi-Fi Internet access

Individuals can simply select “MedStarGuest” as their Wi-Fi resource under Settings and connect by accepting the Acceptable Use Policy.