Hospital visiting hours and policies

Your encouragement as the friend or family member of a patient can help support the healing process. Before you visit, familiarize yourself with policies that apply to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula guests.

All visitors

  • Should not have any infectious symptoms such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing, or vomiting
  • Must not have been recently diagnosed with COVID-19
  • Children 14 years or younger must be accompanied by an adult visitor and are not permitted to visit the ICU

Inpatient visitation

  • Unlimited visitors a day, with the following guidelines:
    • Maximum of two visitors at a time in the room, two additional visitors may wait in the designated waiting room and switch out (maximum four visitors/patient inside hospital)

    • Note: Children under 14 do not count in two visitors at a time. Space and situation must be able to accommodate total number.

  • One support person may stay the night
  • COVID-19 patients in isolation may have visitors provided physical distancing can be accomplished and visitors comply with hospital COVID isolation procedures

Exceptions include:

  • Garden Pavilion visiting hours are 1-2 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. Limited to one visitor at a time
  • End-of-life patients may have up to four visitors in the room at one time, and two support persons overnight

Visitor hours are from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. 

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – see separate visitor policy

Westland Housesee separate visitor policy

Outpatient visitation

  • Emergency department/Clinical Decision Unit –

    • Adult patients: one support person is permitted throughout the visit

    • Pediatric patients: two support people are permitted throughout the visit

  • Surgery/procedures waiting rooms – two support people are permitted to wait in a designated area
  • Other outpatient services – may be accompanied by one support person throughout their visit

Visiting guidelines

Check in when you arrive

Before you visit a patient, you must check in at the hospital’s main entrance. You’ll need to provide identification (ID) and have your photo taken for security purposes.

We’ll provide a temporary badge for you to wear during your visit. Please return it when you leave.

Cell phone policy

Cell phones are allowed in patient rooms and public areas of the hospital. You can also make local calls using our public phones in our waiting areas.

Can I bring food or beverages for a patient?

You must get permission from a patient’s nurse before bringing food or beverages to the hospital for a patient. This lets us make sure the item is safe for them and allowed according to the diet prescribed by their doctor. The smell of certain foods may be unpleasant to some patients.

Handwashing and infection prevention

Help us stop the spread of germs. Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer frequently during your visit and before you interact with patients. If you don’t feel well or you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms, do not visit.

Noise policy and quiet time

Quiet hours are always in effect. Help us make Community Hospital a place for peace and healing by staying as quiet as possible in patient rooms and throughout the facility.

Smoking policy

Community Hospital is a smoke-free environment. Visitors may smoke only in their cars.

Video chats available

To increase connection with families, Community Hospital offers patients assistance with video and phone call visits. Patients may ask their nurse to make arrangements for an online chat.

Visitor resources

Take advantage of services and amenities to make your experience a positive one. Let a member of our staff know if you have questions or concerns at any time during your visit.

Cafeteria and dining services

Learn about dining options for hospital visitors at Fountain Court Café.

Internet access (Wi-Fi)

Free wireless internet access is available throughout the hospital.

Language assistance

If you or your loved one would benefit from the services of a translator or interpreter, explore language assistance we offer to patients, their caregivers, and families.

Safety and security

Review specific safety policies and services, including availability of 24/7 hospital Security staff.

Share your feedback

Let us know about a positive experience at Community Hospital or a healthcare provider, staff member, or volunteer who made a difference. Share your story with us. We also appreciate receiving your thoughts or suggestions on how we can improve.

Spiritual support

Take time for your well-being and peace of mind by visiting one of the hospital’s dedicated spaces for reflection, such as our koi pond or meditation room. You can also request to talk to a hospital chaplain who offers compassionate guidance, whatever your faith background.

Locating Community Hospital

Check out helpful information for Community Hospital visitors, including driving directions, a hospital campus map, parking information, and more.

Help a loved one prepare for their care

Learn what patients can expect before, during, and after their stay.

Let a patient know you care

Choose how to show a loved one at Community Hospital you’re thinking of them. Discover how to:

Get a COVID-19 test

Visit Monterey County Vaccines for a complete list of COVID-19 testing locations near you.

Call 1 (888) 634-1123 to make an appointment or click the link below.

Register for a free test