Patients & Visitors

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Merit Health River Oaks allows for a member of the patient’s care team (spouse, domestic partner, family member, or friend) to be present with the patient for emotional support during the course of the stay, unless:

• the patient does not consent; or
• the individual’s presence infringes on the privacy, rights, safety or therapeutic treatment of the patient.

Merit Health River Oaks will not restrict, limit or otherwise deny visitation privileges on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. Any patient has the right to:

• withdraw consent for care team members to visit, at any time
• request clergy’s presence

When certain illnesses require that the care of the patient be carried out in an Intensive Care or Isolation environment, members of the patient’s care team may visit:

• under direction of the nursing staff; and
• in adherence to infection control guidelines

A parent/guardian must stay with the pediatric aged patient at all times. If the parent of the child cannot stay, another parent approved adult family member should remain with the patient during hospitalization.

Patients in NICU are allowed 2 visitors at a time. Only parents, grandparents, or a support person/significant other in lieu of a parent or grandparent may visit.

ICU and emergency department patients may have 1 visitor age 18 years or older.

Postpartum patients may have 4 visitors at a time. No age restriction.

Labor & delivery patients are allowed 2 visitors ages 18 years or older.

For the safety of all patients, staff, and visitors, the following are prohibited while on Merit Health River Oaks campus.

• smoking, to include any type of e-cig or vaping device;
• alcohol;
• unauthorized drugs or illegal substances