Visitor Screenings and Restrictions at UI Health Care

To protect the health of our patients, their families, and our employees, University of Iowa Health Care has modified visitor hours, restrictions and is screening patients and visitors who enter our patient care facilities.

Visitor Restrictions

Current Restrictions, Effective December 14, 2022

Download the Visitor Restrictions Handout

For adult patients (age 18+)

Inpatient

  • Two visitor/support person is allowed per patient per day.
  • Visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Surgical and procedural patients:

  • Two visitor/support person is allowed per patient per day.

Outpatients

  • Two visitors/support persons are allowed for patients aged 18–21.

  • One visitor/support person is allowed for patients aged 22–64.

  • Two visitors/support persons are allowed for patients aged 65 and older.

  • One visitor/support person is allowed for prenatal appointments.

Emergency Department

  • One visitor/support person per patient is allowed.

Labor and Delivery Unit

  • Two visitors/support people plus birth support person/doula or partner (father/designee of baby) are allowed per patient. 

For pediatric patients (age 0-17)

Inpatients

Two visitors/support persons are allowed per patient per day.

  • Visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Only parents/ legal guardians may stay overnight.
  • Visitors under the age of 18 are not permitted in the NICU and PICU/PCICU.

Surgical and procedural patients

  • Two adult visitor/support persons are allowed per patient per day.

Outpatients

  • Two adult visitors/support persons are allowed
  • This includes newborn wellness visits (2 months of age or less).

For All Visitors/Support Persons

These requirements must be met for visitors/support persons to be allowed entry into our facilities.

  • Should be a support person who is essential for the physical and mental well-being of the patient

  • Must be age 12 or older and healthy

  • Will be screened for symptoms of fever and illness when arriving and asked which patient they are visiting

  • Must wear a face mask, at all times, including in patient rooms. Medical-grade face masks are strongly encouraged for patients and visitors. A face shield will be provided if the individual cannot wear a mask for medical reasons.

  • Stay in designated areas (such as the patient’s room for inpatients or in a waiting area for surgery and procedures) as much as possible

 

Further Assistance

  • Mobility assistance: Staff can assist patients with exiting/entering vehicles, wheelchair escorts, and directions. 
  • Interpreter: Call 1-319-356-1967 or 1-800-777-8442 ahead of your visit to ask for an interpreter (preferred) or once you arrive by asking a staff member. 
  • More information: The Main Entrance Information Desk is staffed 24/7 (call 1-319-356-2456 with questions), and the Office of the Patient Experience will have staff at major entrances to address concerns.

Staying Connected

Patients are encouraged to stay connected with their loved ones. Phone calls, text messages, video chats, and social media are available through free Wi-Fi connections.

These measures are for all our patient care facilities, including University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, clinics, specialty clinics, UI QuickCare, and UI Urgent Care.

Have More Questions About Our Visitor Guidelines?

Read our FAQs for Patients  Read our FAQs for Family Members 

Visitor Screening Rules

We continue to limit the number of public entrances to our hospital as one measure in our safety efforts. This allows us to effective screen everyone who comes into our patient care facilities for symptoms of COVID-19. These include:

  • New or worsening:
    • Sore throat
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath
  • Have you tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days?
    • If the answer is yes, you will not be permitted to enter our facilities.

Visitors are not permitted to enter if they exhibit signs or symptoms.

Entrances Open to Patients and Visitors at UI Hospitals & Clinics and UI Stead Family Children's Hospital

  • Main Entrance: 24/7
  • Parking Ramp 3 Level 2 skywalk: 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday to Friday
  • UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital entrance: 24/7
  • Pomerantz Family Pavilion, Level 2 from Parking Ramp 4 skyway: 24/7
  • Pomerantz Family Pavilion Lobby Entrance: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday

*All other UI Health Care facilities should be considered open and accessible via the main entrance of that location, unless stated otherwise.

Entrances Open to Certain Patients:

  • Family Medicine circle drive near Parking Ramp 4:
    • Family Medicine Clinic: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday
    • Respiratory Clinic: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
    • This entrance is only for patients who have an appointment in the Family Medicine or Respiratory Clinic.
  • Emergency Department: Patients and visitors will be able to enter the Emergency Department as usual. Patients coming in an emergency to one of the other entrances will be directed by screening staff to the Emergency Department.
  • Labor and Delivery: The south door of John Pappajohn Pavilion is closed, but in an emergency or in labor, there is a call button at that door, where security can grant access.

Map of Entrance Adjustments

Download a PDF map of our open entrances 

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