Patients & Visitors
Visitor Guidelines
Merit Health Madison 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 Madison 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.
ICU and emergency department patients may have 1 visitor age 18 years or older.
Visiting hours:
Medical/Surgical/Telemetry
Adults: anytime, preferably 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., allowing patients to obtain adequate rest
Critical Care
- Immediate family only for 5-10 minutes at a time and only 2 persons at one time
- Children under 12 not permitted except under special approval of the primary nurse.
ER
- A maximum of two (2) visitors at any one time while the patient is in the treatment area.
- The number of visitors permitted to stay with the patient may be determined by the ED charge nurse, primary nurse, or physician.
- Visitors must remain inside the treatment room with the patient
- At least one (1) family member will remain with pediatric patients receiving care unless otherwise directed.
For the safety of all patients, staff, and visitors, the following are prohibited while on Merit Health Madison campus.
- smoking, to include any type of e-cig or vaping device;
- alcohol;
- unauthorized drugs or illegal substances
At Merit Health Madison, we understand that coming to the hospital as a patient or as a loved one's support person can be a difficult, often overwhelming experience. Whether you’re preparing for a hospital stay or stopping by to see friends and family, knowing where to go and what to bring will help make your visit less stressful. To make your experience easier, we want to provide you with helpful information you may need to plan your visit, such as what to expect, parking instructions, transportation and more.