Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Policies

Visitors are important to our patients. They provide love, encouragement and support. However, because patients are ill and need healing and rest, visitors are encouraged to adhere to some guidelines. Visitation may be limited by nursing staff or the physician if it is in the best interest of the patient.

Employees, visitors, and patients will no longer be required to wear protective masks in our hospitals (inpatient) or clinics (outpatient) with just a few exceptions:

Employees entering an occupied, inpatient room or a patient room in an ED at a hospital to care or provide support to a patient must wear a mask. (So, an employee entering a vacant inpatient room to clean or service it does not need to be masked.)

Employees, visitors, or patients who are exhibiting respiratory symptoms (including but not limited to the following: fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, shortness of breath) must wear masks in all settings, both inpatient and outpatient, and in all public spaces. (Symptomatic inpatients are not required to wear masks in their patient rooms.)

Vaccine-exempt employees are still required to use N95 masks but only in areas where masking is required. For example, they are required to wear an N95 mask, instead of surgical mask, when entering an inpatient room of a non-COVID patient.

In crowded waiting areas and lobbies, such as ED waiting areas, masks are strongly encouraged, but not required.

Inpatients must wear masks when they leave their rooms unless the masks impede their care.

Providers and employees who wish to wear a mask are free to do so – that’s your choice, and we respect that!

Wetzel County Hospital Updated Visitor Policy

Effective August 24, 2021

  • Emergency Room patients are permitted to have one (1) visitor; minor patients are permitted to have two (2) visitors. A visitor may not leave the hospital and come back the same day. Visitors may not be switched out for a different visitor, absent an exception as set forth below.
  • Inpatient visiting hours: 12 – 6pm. Inpatients are permitted to have one (1) visitor per day. Inpatients who are minors are permitted to have two (2) visitors per day. A visitor may not leave the hospital and come back the same day. Visitors may not be switched out for a different visitor, absent an exception as set forth below.
  • COVID positive/suspicious patients will be permitted visitation at admission and then again every five (5) days thereafter.
  • Outpatient surgery patients are permitted to have one (1) visitor. However, the visitor must remain in the patient room.
  • Lab, Radiology, Outpatient care and Clinic (physician office) patients are permitted to have one (1) visitor accompany the patient to appointments.
  • Visitors experiencing any kind of respiratory symptoms will not be permitted.
  • Exceptions to the above may be permitted for end of life patients or patients with disabilities (e.g. hearing loss, dementia, etc.), or pediatric patients.

Visitation Guidelines

  • If you have flu-like symptoms, please postpone your visit.
  • All visitors must check in at the Information Desk.
  • Children under age 14 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
  • One visitor per patient is permitted to stay overnight. Overnight visitors must have special identification, which they can get from registration.
  • Visitors under age 16 are not permitted in the preparation or recovery areas.
  • Visits may be restricted due to various reasons to ensure patient care is the top priority.
  • Our healthcare facilities are tobacco-free, including sidewalks and parking lots.
  • If visitors wish to be escorted to their car after dark, they may contact the Emergency Department to request assistance from a security officer.

For more information on visitation hours and guidelines, please call 304-455-8000.

Cafeteria

The hospital cafeteria is located at the end of the main hallway and is open to visitors and families of our patients. Lunch is served from 11:30 am – 1 pm daily. Vending machines are also available in the cafeteria.

Cell Phone Use

Visitors may use personal mobile devices in all areas of Wetzel County Hospital, unless restricted by specific unit policies. Visitors may photograph the patient and family members; however, taking photographs of other patients, visitors, and staff is strictly prohibited.

Chaplain

Wetzel County Hospital offers a full range of spiritual care support services for patients and family members. Our interfaith chaplains are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week as well as our chapel. Call 304-455-8009 for more information about our chaplaincy program.