Visitor Information

Effective April 3, UC San Diego Health has updated its masking protocols for patients and visitors in accordance with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), stating that face masks are no longer mandatory.

Please note, we still require masks for certain patients and visitors:

• Who have just been diagnosed with a respiratory infectious illness that requires masking
• Who are experiencing respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, runny nose, and/or sore throat) that are consistent with an infectious illness
• Who have been advised by the patient's medical team to wear a face mask, particularly those who are immunocompromised or are taking precautions because of reduced immunity
• Who have been requested by a patient to wear a mask

See Tips and FAQs on Wearing Face Masks

We strongly recommend that you continue masking in our facilities if you are at high risk of complications from respiratory illnesses because of underlying conditions.

COVID-19 vaccines or tests are no longer required for visitors to all UC San Diego Health facilities. Other guidelines 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.
• 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.
• Two visitors are allowed for pediatric patients under age 2 and for patients with appointments at Moores Cancer Center (except Infusion and Radiation Oncology, which are still limited to one visitor).

Guidelines for Hospital Visitors

• Hospital visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Exceptions are allowed in some circumstances; please speak to your medical team.
• 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.)
• 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 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.

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