Information for UPMC Altoona Visitors

COVID-19 Update

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UPMC is temporarily restricting visitors at all hospitals and facilities. We hope these changes will ensure the safety of our patients and staff. Also, we are temporarily suspending most volunteer hours at our facilities.

Visitor and Volunteer Restrictions

Visitors are welcome at UPMC Altoona during hospital visiting hours with the patient’s consent. While rest is important, visits from friends and loved ones are an important part of therapy, too. Flowers are allowed in all rooms, except for those in critical care or patient rooms designated as a “protective environment.”

Visiting Hours at UPMC Altoona

General visiting hours

• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
• Please limit bedside visitors to no more than three at one time.
• Some specialty care units observe different visiting hours
• Check with your loved one’s nurse for additional information

Specialty care areas

Behavioral health inpatients

• Visitation is limited to 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. daily. Special times can be arranged by the treatment team.
• No one under 16 is allowed to visit.
• Only immediate family may visit adolescent patients.

Note: Friendships sometimes develop among patients. It is our policy that former patients cannot visit until three months after being discharged unless allowed by a psychiatrist (per standard operating procedure).

Critical care patients

Our short-term critical care units are for patients who need constant observation after trauma or surgery.

To aid in the patient’s healing, we do not limit visiting hours. Two visitors at a time can be in the patient’s room. There is a waiting area outside the unit for occasions when we ask you to step out of the room.

We urge families to:

• Choose one member of the family to ask about the patient and inform others of his or her progress.
• Decide on a code word when asking about the patient, instead of using his or her name.

Maternity patients

• For fathers or other support persons — No hours. Visit any time.
• For grandparents and siblings only — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• For friends, kids over 13, and others — 1 to 8 p.m.

Note: No children under 12 are permitted to visit unless they are siblings of the newborn. Anyone with signs and symptoms of infection should not visit.

Palliative care patients

• There are no time or age limits for visiting a loved one in palliative care.
• Families are welcome to spend the night with the patient.

Pediatric patients

• For parents/guardians and grandparents: no hours. Visit any time.
• One parent/guardian or grandparent may stay overnight from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• For siblings and friends: please have your child's nurse in charge approve before their visit.

Surgery patients

• Before a loved one's surgery: immediate family may visit briefly before the patient receives preoperative medication.
• During surgery: family members can wait in the surgical reception area, where we will update them of the patient's progress.
• After surgery: immediate family may visit after surgery but must first check with the nurse.

Visitor Guidelines at UPMC Altoona

We ask visitors to UPMC Altoona to follow a few basic guidelines.

What to bring/not bring to your visit:

• Cell phones — You can use cell phones in “safe areas” (waiting rooms, nonpatient areas, and elevator lobbies). Please do not use cell phones in patient rooms. They can disrupt and prevent medical equipment from working.
• Flowers — We allow flowers in most patient rooms.
• Balloons — You can bring polyester film (Mylar®) balloons. Please do not bring in latex balloons. Latex may cause serious allergic reactions in those who are sensitive.
• Food/drinks — Please check with the nurse before you give a patient something to eat or drink.

To prevent infection:

• People who are coughing, sneezing, or ill should not visit. If you have to cough or sneeze, please cover it with your arm.
• Wash your hands when entering and leaving patient rooms. Hand washing is the single most effective thing we can all do to prevent the spread of germs.
• Please do not use patient restrooms unless your loved one has a private room and gives consent.
• We may ask you to wear gowns, gloves, and masks if your loved one is in a special-precaution patient room.

Additional Information for Visitors

• Lodging Near UPMC Altoona
• Parking at UPMC Altoona
• Information for Visitors to a UPMC Hospital