Childen's Hospital Boston
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Flower Visiting a Patient
Visiting Hours
  • 24 hours a day -- For parents/guardians.

  • Noon to 8 p.m. daily -- For siblings, relatives and friends.
Visitor IDs
  • Parents/Guardians -- If your child is admitted to Children's Hospital Boston, you will receive a yellow photo identification (ID) badge, which distinguishes parents and guardians from other hospital visitors. Only parents/guardians are allowed to be in the hospital after 8 p.m. Parent ID badges are given out at the front desk in the Main Lobby between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. After 4 p.m., parents will be issued a temporary paper ID until the next day.

    Information on our Parents ID system is available at the information desk in the Main Lobby.

  • Other Adults -- Friends and family members who are suffering from or have been exposed to any contagious diseases, such as a cold or chicken pox, should not visit the hospital.

  • Children/Siblings -- Visitors under age 12 must be screened for exposure to any known contagious diseases, such as chicken pox or measles. Visiting children will be given a dinosaur sticker to be worn at all times when they are in the hospital to show they have been screened.
Visiting Guidelines
  • Please allow a maximum of three visitors in your child's room at a time.
  • Please make sure your child's visitors are considerate of other patients and staff, especially in regard to noise. Parents are responsible for their other children during visiting hours.
  • Please notify staff on your child's unit in advance when arranging for entertainers or special guests.
  • Visitors may not bring electrical appliances into the hospital.
Visiting in the ICUs
  • Advance planning of visits is strongly encouraged and is essential when visiting patients in the intensive care units (ICUs).
  • When visiting a patient in the ICUs, please do not bring food, fresh flowers or plants (silk flowers, pictures and cards are acceptable). Please remember that space for personal items is limited in the ICUs.
  • Please respect the needs of others for a calm and quiet atmosphere in the ICUs.
Latex Policy
Mylar balloons for patients are welcomed at Children's Hospital Boston. However, latex balloons are not allowed anywhere in the hospital. To ensure a safe environment for patients and their families, deliveries of latex balloons to the hospital will not be accepted.
Cell phones
Cell phones and other wireless devices (PDAs, Blackberrys, etc.) can not be used on patient floors or near any medical equipment. Please turn them off in restricted areas. However, they may be used by the elevator area on each patient floor, as well as in the main areas of the hospital. If you have questions about this policy, please call the Biomedical Engineering Department at 617-355-6166 or Telecommunications at 617-355-8444.
Smoking
Children's is a smoke-free institution. This applies to all patient rooms, bathrooms, waiting areas, lounges, hospital entrances and the Prouty Garden. Our only designated smoking area is located behind 57 Binney Street.
Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol and illegal drugs are prohibited in the hospital and on the grounds. Patients, parents or other visitors who would like professional help for problems with alcohol or drug use may speak to a nurse, physician, or social worker.
Weapons
Weapons, including firearms and knives, are not allowed on hospital grounds. If you are legally authorized to carry a weapon, please contact the Security Office at 617-355-6121 before coming to the hospital to arrange and have it secured when you arrive. The Security Office will hold your weapon while you are visiting the hospital; you may claim it when you leave.
Security
  • Since many people go into and out of the hospital at all hours, theft is a concern. Please leave all valuables at home, including expensive clothing, electronic equipment, large sums of money and valuable jewelry.

  • If you do bring items of value, keep them locked up at all times. Each patient room includes a small storage safe.

  • For safety reasons, Children's recommends that you do not walk alone outdoors at night. Please call Security if you need an escort.
Children's staff works hard to make the hospital a safe and comfortable place. Security personnel are available to help you and answer your questions at all times of the day and night:

Security Office:

Location: Blackfan Garage
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 617-355-7455

Emergency Security Assistance (24-hour):

Phone: 617-355-6121

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