Visitor Information for Hospitals, Emergency Departments and Clinics

COVID-19 vaccines or tests are no longer required for visitors to all UC San Diego Health facilities. Other guidelines — including those related to face masks, number of visitors allowed, and ages of visitors — are still in effect. Please read below for details.

Guidelines for Outpatient Visitors (Clinic Appointments, ER Visits and Procedures)

• Patients can have one visitor or support person at most clinic appointments, outpatient procedures and emergency room visits.
  
• At some clinics, patients will be asked to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms.
• Proper masking is still required in health care settings, including all our facilities. See tips and FAQs about getting a proper mask fit.
• Please be aware that some areas (including apheresis and chronic dialysis units) are still not allowing visitors to accompany patients to appointments unless an exception is approved in advance.

Guidelines for Hospital Visitors

• Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Exceptions are allowed in some circumstances; please speak to your medical team.
• Visitors will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
• All visitors must be 12 years or older. (Exceptions may be granted for end-of-life care or for children visiting parents who are hospitalized for extended periods. In these cases, children must be accompanied by an adult.)
• Visitors are required to wear a face mask at all times and comply with any instructions related to personal protective equipment (PPE). Learn more about our face mask guidelines.
  
• Most patients who have been admitted to the hospital ("inpatients") or are having surgery can have two visitors or support persons at a time. These visitors can change from day to day. Visitors who don't follow instructions will be asked to leave.

  Some floors or areas may have policies that differ slightly. Please check with your care providers. Exceptions include:

  • Labor & Delivery, postpartum and antepartum patients are allowed two designated visitors or support persons. They must be the same individuals for the entire hospital stay and cannot change from day to day. Patients may request a UC San Diego Health volunteer doula upon admission or have a personal doula who will count as one of their two designated visitors.
  • The two visitors for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patients must be parents or guardians.
  • Patients who have COVID-19 or who are suspected of having COVID-19 can have only one visitor at their bedside at a time, and their visitors must wear KN95 masks. We'll supply a KN95 mask if they request it.
• Visitors must remain in the patient’s room and can leave the room only to go to the restroom, cafeteria or exit the hospital.
• Visitors for COVID-19 patients should not eat or drink in the patient’s room, and can only leave the room to use the restroom or exit the hospital.
• Visitors should leave the medical facility right away after finishing their visit.

We also encourage people to stay connected with their loved ones through electronic means such as phone, Skype, FaceTime and WhatsApp. ADA service animals may accompany visitors and patients.

Other Hospital Information

Food Services

Learn more about meal services, cafés and vending machines.

Lodging Options

There are a variety of lodging options near both of our hospital locations in Hillcrest and La Jolla. View more information on lodging near UC San Diego Health.

Gifts for Patients

Reading materials, flowers, gifts and toiletries are all available at the gift shop.

Use of Cellphones

Patients and visitors may use cellphones in most areas of the hospital. Cellphones are not allowed in certain restricted areas with “no cell phone” signs. As a courtesy to others, please turn your cellphone ringer down low or set it to vibrate.

Picture/video and audio recording features may not be used in any area of the hospital. Note that sometimes your doctors or nurses may need to speak on their cellphones to address clinical issues. Photos of patients with family and/or care team members are permitted only with the verbal consent of all individuals who are part of the picture, and if it doesn’t violate the privacy of other patients or staff.

Security Services/Lost and Found

If you have questions or concerns about safety while visiting patients, day or night, or have lost or found an item, please call our Security Services Office. For the Security Services Office at UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest, call 619-543-3762; for Jacobs Medical Center (including Thornton Pavilion) in La Jolla, call 858-657-6420.

ATM Locations

• Hillcrest
  • UC San Diego Medical Center: First-floor hallway by the Emergency Department
• La Jolla
  • Jacobs Medical Center/ Thornton Pavilion: The Cove cafe, first floor (walk through checkout area, and the ATM is in a room to the right)
  • Moores Cancer Center: Second-floor hallway near restrooms