Northwestern Medicine Visitor Policies

Current Visitor Policies

Northwestern Medicine Visitor Policies

Current as of February 16, 2023

The following visitor policies are in effect at all Northwestern Medicine facilities.

Diagnostic Testing, Surgery, Outpatient Facilities, Immediate Care Centers and Emergency Departments

  • People who are sick should not visit or accompany a patient. By visiting, they confirm they do not have symptoms of illness that can be spread to others.
  • Visitors must be 18 or older. Exceptions will be made if a patient’s parent is younger than 18.
  • Patients 18 and older may have 1 visitor. Patients under age 18 may have 2 visitors. The clinical care team may allow more visitors.
  • Everyone age 2 or older must wear a mask at all times, including in the patient’s room. Anyone who does not follow this policy will be asked to leave.
  • Visitors may not eat or drink in patient rooms.
  • Visitors must follow posted signs and staff instructions when visiting patients who are on isolation precautions.

Inpatient Facilities

  • Visitors must check in at the front desk and wear a visitor badge. They must have no symptoms of illness that can be spread.
  • Visitors must be 18 or older. Exceptions will be made if a patient’s parent is younger than 18.
  • Visiting hours are 8 am to 8 pm.
    • Patients in a private room may have 2 visitors at a time.
    • Patients in a semi-private room may have 1 visitor at a time.
    • Visiting hours may differ for inpatient behavioral services and pediatric departments.
  • Everyone age 2 or older must wear a mask at all times, including in the patient’s room. Anyone who does not follow this policy will be asked to leave.
  • Visitors may not eat or drink in patient rooms.
  • Visitors must follow posted signs and staff instructions when visiting patients who are on isolation precautions.

Outside of visiting hours, visitors are only allowed in these cases:

  • Patients under the age of 18 may have 2 visitors/caregivers with wrist bands.
  • Patients who are postpartum may have 1 visitor.
  • Patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, pediatric departments or Pediatric Intensive Care Unit may have 2 visitors.
  • Patients in need of compassionate care may have more than 2 visitors with permission of the clinical care team.
  • Patients with disabilities who need help may have 2 support persons, 1 at a time.

These visitor policies may change at any time.