Policies

This memorandum provides policy guidance to Department of Defense (DoD) healthcare personnel (HCP) concerning how to more efficiently organize and stockpile personal protective equipment (PPE), and select protective clothing and equipment in response to infectious disease environments for direct patient care, contact with blood or body fluids, prolonged close interaction (less than three feet), and contact with deceased individuals.

To protect the health of our patients, staff and visitors, as we combat COVID-19, our Visitation Policy has changed effective March 18 and updated as of July 1, 2020. Thank you for helping us protect the health of our community who we are honored to serve.  

Fort Belvoir Community Hospital works to ensure safe and quality healthcare to our beneficiaries. With that in mind, the following family, family guest and visitor policies are in place:

• Family is defined by the patient, or by the patient's representative
• Family guests are those who are accepted by the patient, and who have some prior connection to the patient: friends, neighbors, buddies, unit members. The patient has the right to accept or reject any visitors
• All photography, videotaping, and audio recording are prohibited in the hospital. This includes clinical areas, patient care areas (e.g. exam rooms, nurse stations), common areas like hallways, elevators, and dining facilities, as well as exterior outdoor hospital spaces. These steps are taken to help maintain the privacy and safety of our patients and staff members. Any exceptions to this policy must be cleared by Public Affairs in advance and non-compliance may result in further corrective actions
• Visitors are those who do not have any prior relationship with the patient. Visitors must contact Executive Services 48 hours prior to a planned visit, at (571) 231-3302
• Behavioral Health units have specific guidelines for family and family guests. Please call the unit for specific information. Inpatient Behavioral Health (4 North) can reached at (571) 231-4651. The Inpatient Addictions Program (4 South) can be reached at (571) 231-4689
• We believe the presence of family and friends promotes the healing process. Family presence at the bedside is encouraged between 6:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. Quiet time is 11 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. to permit patients and family members to rest. Adequate rest is essential to the caregiver, and for patient recovery
• To support patients and their families, each inpatient room includes a pull-out sofa bed to allow one family member (age 18 or older) to stay overnight
• Family guests are welcome between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• The patient determines who may be present at the bedside. Children under 15 years of age must always be accompanied by an adult other than the patient or the primary support person. The total number of family and family guests will be managed by the patient in collaboration with the charge nurse / primary nurse to ensure we are meeting the healthcare requirements to enhance wellness
• The charge nurse has the ability to bend the guidelines if appropriate, in consideration of specific patient-family situations
• All visitors, please remember all patient areas are quiet zones
• Personal pets are not permitted in the hospital
• Because patients are especially at risk to infection, visitors with a cold, flu symptom or any other contagious illness should check with the ward nurse to discuss appropriate protection and visitation
• Infection control and safety are among our top priorities. Rooms must be maintained in good order. Please use closets and storage spaces in each room for personal items. Properly dispose of all trash items