Visiting Hours

Visitor Information

Note: The content on this page was last reviewed and updated on April 8, 2026, reflecting the most recent policy changes. This page is updated as needed as policies and procedures change.

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At Ellis, we strive to do everything possible to ensure our patients get better quickly and safely. We ask that our visitors honor these guidelines when visiting a loved one or friend. These guidelines are revised in response to the prevalence of influenza in the community, as well as other public health needs. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

With safety as a core value, we remain committed to promoting the health and well-being of everyone. Thank you for helping us slow the spread of influenza and protect our community.

Patient Visitation Policy

Updated on April 8, 2026

Ellis Hospital

Inpatient Medical Units 

• Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., 7 days a week
• Two visitors at a time, with no daily limit

Inpatient Intensive Care Units

• Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., 7 days a week
• Two visitors at a time, with no daily limit

Emergency Department or Urgent Care

• Patients in the emergency department or urgent care will be permitted to have two visitors at a time with no daily limit, 24/7.  Patients in the waiting areas of the emergency department will be permitted to have one visitor at a time until the patient is brought back to an exam room.  Visitors can accompany patients during admissions during the normal visiting hours of the admitting unit.

Adolecent Mental Health Unit

• Mental Health patients on the B3 adolescent unit will be permitted to have two visitors at a time each day between 3:30pm-8pm, 7 days a week.  Mental Health patients on the C3 adult unit will be permitted to have two visitors at a time weekdays between 1:00pm-3:00pm and 5:30pm-8:00pm, weekends 1:00pm-4:00pm, 5:00-8:00pm.

Chaplains and Clergy may visit at any time when patients request a chaplain or clergy.  Chaplains and clergy are not considered visitors and are considered support persons for the patient’s care.

COVID patients in the emergency department, urgent care, inpatient medical units, or intensive care units will be permitted to have two visitors per day during the same normal visiting hours.  Enhanced droplet precautions remain in effect for patients with COVID; however, gowns and gloves are no longer required unless needed for standard precautions.

Bellevue Woman's Center

• Bellevue patients will be allowed to have two support people, including a doula if requested throughout the patient’s stay.  The support persons can be the patient’s spouse, partner, sibling, parent, or other people of their choice.  No other visitors will be permitted during the patient’s stay.

Visitors for patients who are not on transmission-based precautions will be required to wear a face mask and use hand hygiene.

Visitors for patients who are on enhanced droplet and contact precautions will be required to wear a face mask, eye shield, gown and gloves and will be assisted with proper donning and doffing procedures and hand hygiene by unit staff upon entering and leaving patient room.

Patients who are at the end-of-life may have two designated visitors at a time.  All efforts should be made to utilize hospital approved or patient provided technology to facilitate communication between family and patient during this time.

1. For patients in imminent end-of-life situations, a patient who is actively dying, where death is anticipated within less than 24 hours; up to five family members and/or legal representatives are permitted at the patient bedside for a limited time.

Patients undergoing surgery or procedures may have one visitor for a limited time pre- and post-surgery until the physician meets with the patient/visitor. Visitors are allowed to stay in the waiting area during the procedure/surgery only for the following patient exceptions:

1. Pediatrics
2. Childbirth
3. Patients with an intellectual, developmental, or other cognitive disability
4. For Cardiothoracic Surgeries patients are allowed one visitor to follow to the ICU in the immediate post-operative period on the day of surgery only.
5. For sterile procedures or medically indicated reasons, the support person will be excused out of the hospital (still on premise) and may return when the procedure is completed.

Patients who have an outpatient/office appointment at any Ellis Medicine facility which include outpatient offices, radiation therapy, neuro, wound care, infusion, laboratory, or radiology, may have two visitors per patient.  Any patient who is accompanied by a child, the patient is the only parent/guardian, the child will be allowed entry with the parent. 

1. Persons with a stated or observed disability, including but not limited to physical impairment, sensory impairment, cognitive impairment, and or intellectual impairment mental illness are permitted an additional person if necessary to always assist them during their visit.

Patients with a written physician order to be discharged to home may have two care partners outside of visitor hours to be present at bedside during their discharge education and review.

1. A member of the care team will notify the care partner of the best time to come to review the discharge instructions and facilitate transport of the patient to home.

Patients who have altered mental status or developmental delays (where caregiver provides safety) may have two visitors- staff members from group homes are considered an extension of the healthcare team and not a visitor; their presence may fulfill the role of meeting the patients extended care needs. The caregiver team directly involved in their care and communicated to security will determine this need.

Pediatric patients/minors under age 18 may always have two designated support persons with them, which includes the emergency department, inpatient and outpatient settings.

1. The hospital holds the authority to request a visitor go home at any point in time given a change in clinical status of the visitor.
2. All permitted visitors will be greeted upon entry to all facilities and may be turned away based on those concerns of securing patient and staff safety.

Virtual Visitation: Given the in-person visitation restrictions that have been put in place by Ellis Medicine, patients are encouraged to use whatever electronic device they choose to video call friends and family, regardless of whether it is the patient’s own device (e.g., a cell phone) or a device that they receive for the purpose of improving communications (e.g., a tablet specifically designed for video telephony).  Ellis Medicine may restrict video cameras or recording during certain activities or if the patient is attempting to use the video camera or recording device in a manner other than using the device for virtual visitation.  Restrictions are outlined in policy #7316 Photography and Videography of Patients and on Hospital Property.

1. During the time of admission or when a patient is denied an in-person visitation, the patient will be educated on the virtual visitation allowance to ensure the patient is able to communicate with their family member or visitor.  If a family member or visitor has an in-person visitation and is denied, the family member or visitor will be educated on virtual visitation.  

Virtual Visitation for End-of-Life Patients

Ellis Medicine recognizes the critical importance of family connection during the end-of-life process and supports the use of video calls to facilitate remote family presence when in-person visitation is not possible or is limited.

1. Facilitation & Support:
   • Chaplains and Pastoral Care staff may assist in coordinating and facilitating video calls for end-of-life patients, given their close relationships with patients and families.
   • Nursing staff or other designated caregivers may also assist in setting up video calls when requested by the patient or family.
2. Privacy Considerations:
   • Video calls must be conducted in a way that respects the privacy of the patient, staff, and other patients in shared spaces.
   • Staff who do not wish to appear on video may step aside or position themselves outside the camera frame, ensuring that patient care is not compromised.
   • Whenever possible, video calls should be conducted in private or semi-private areas to minimize unintended exposure to other patients.
3. Consent & Documentation:
   • Whenever feasible, the patient’s consent should be obtained before initiating a video call. If the patient is unable to provide consent, the designated family representative may do so.
   • The care team should document the facilitation of virtual visitation in the patient’s medical record, noting any special circumstances or concerns.
4. Recording Restrictions:
   • To protect patient privacy and comply with hospital policy, recording of video calls is not permitted unless expressly authorized by hospital administration and in accordance with policy #7316 (Photography and Videography of Patients and on Hospital Property).
   • If a family member is found to be recording a call without permission, the staff facilitating the call has the authority to remind them of the policy and, if necessary, discontinue the recording.
5. Technology & Access:
   • The hospital may provide devices (e.g., tablets) for virtual visitation when the patient does not have personal access to one.
   • IT support may be available upon request to troubleshoot connectivity issues, ensuring a seamless experience for families.
6. Compassion & Consideration:
   • The patient’s and family’s emotional and spiritual needs should be prioritized during virtual visits.
   • Chaplains or other support staff may be present on the call if requested, to provide comfort and facilitate meaningful interactions.

NO visitor will be allowed entry to visit a patient who has any pending or positive pandemic illness and no visitors under the age of 12 will be permitted entry to the facility.

All other restrictions will remain unchanged during all other hours, including restrictions and compassionate exceptions for end-of-life.

Ellis Medicine's visitation policies are consistent with other hospitals in the Capital Region.

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Chaplains and clergy members may visit at any time upon a patient’s request.  Chaplains and clergy members are not considered visitors and are considered support persons for the patient’s care. 

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Ellis Hospital- 1101 Nott Street 

Main Nott Street Entrance: Those using complimentary valet parking at the Ellis Hospital campus may enter through the main entrance off Nott Street.

Rosa Road Garage Entrance: Please use the Rosa Road garage for parking and enter the hospital through the emergency department main entrance.

Rosa Road Graham Lot: This parking lot entrance is closed to the public but can still be access for our Ellis Works and Radiation Oncology patients.

Medical Arts Building 1201 Nott Street: Please use the main entrance to the medical arts building.

Bellevue Women’s Center- 2210 Troy Schenectady Road

Please use the main entrance to the facility, all Breast Care Center patients will continue to use the Breast Care Main Entrance.

Thank you for helping us keep our patients safe.