Patients & Visitors
Current Visitor Guidelines
Visiting hours are from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Minors may visit if accompanied by an adult, except in ICU.
Labor and delivery and intensive care (ICU) patients may have two (2) visitors.
Emergency department patients may have one (1) visitor for adults, two (2) for pediatric patients.
Medical surgical unit, ambulatory surgery and outpatient departments are unrestricted.
General isolation patients: when visiting a patient on isolation, please see the nurse prior to entering the room. They will assist you with the necessary personal protective equipment to keep you and other patients safe.
COVID-19 positive patients: may have at least two (2) hours of visitation a day with their designated essential caregiver unless additional time is approved by the nursing supervisor. Visitors must abide by the personal protective equipment protocols for COVID-19 patients. These essential caregivers should only visit with the patient they are care for and should not go to other locations in the facility, including the café.
Any exceptions must be determined by the nursing supervisor.
Infection Control
To prevent the spread of infection, visitors are expected to comply with infection prevention and control measures including:
- Communicable disease screening: Visitors who have symptoms of any communicable disease or infection are encouraged to postpone visiting until symptoms have resolved. Persons with symptoms of communicable disease, who are entering the building for procedures, tests, etc., shall be encouraged to report these symptoms upon entering the building, and arrangements shall be made for appropriate transmission-based precautions. Masks and tissues are provided for visitors with respiratory illness. Visitors will not be asked to show proof of vaccination or immunization. Visitors may interact with patients if the patient allows.
- Hand hygiene: Everyone who enters the hospital should sanitize hands frequently. Alcohol rub dispensers and sinks are conveniently located throughout the hospital.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Protective apparel such as gowns, gloves and masks are available for visitors. Visitors with symptoms of communicable disease shall be encouraged to report symptoms upon entering the building. Masks are provided for visitors with respiratory illness. PPE is required for entry to isolation rooms.
- Visiting patients with isolation precautions: when visiting a patient on isolation, please see the nurse prior to entering the room. They will assist you with the necessary personal protective equipment to keep you and other patients safe. Education is also provided on the door to explain the appropriate PPE for entry. When leaving the isolation room, hands must be washed or sanitized after the removal of the PPE.
- Education: Educational materials and one-on-one teaching for patients and family members relating to infection control shall be provided both verbally and/or in written form as needed. Visitors should communicate with the nursing staff to receive instructions regarding the prevention of infection while visiting.
If you have a complaint about Lower Keys Medical Center's visitation guidelines, you may contact us directly at (305)294-5531, extension 3360, or you may contact AHCA at https://apps.ahca.myflorida.com/hcfc/.