Visiting Information and Guidelines

At Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, we know that family and friends are an important part of each patient’s healing experience. As part of our commitment to family-centered care, we welcome visitors and encourage families to spend as much time together as possible in our hospital.

In general, visiting hours for the hospital are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and quiet hours are from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. Guidelines for visitors and visiting hours may vary by unit or based on a patient’s medical needs.

Parking

Visit finding your way for information about parking and fees for visitors.

Checking-in

Safety and the well-being of our patients is our top priority. Hospital visitors must check in before entering the hospital to receive an identification badge. It is part of our commitment to ensuring a safe environment at both the Main and West buildings of Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.

Health, safety and hand hygiene

To maintain the healthiest environment possible and to avoid infection of patients, visitors are screened for contagious diseases. Please do not bring children to visit if they display signs of contagious diseases or have been recently exposed to measles or chickenpox.

If you notice anything unusual in or around the hospital such as: missing items, unbadged personnel, suspicious persons, or items, you should report your concerns to the Security Department by contacting (650) 723-7222.

The best way to prevent infection is to wash your hands often and well. All of us carry germs. To prevent these germs from harming you or your child, wash your hands with soap and use the alcohol hand sanitizer. Always clean your hands upon entering and before leaving your hospital room, before or after eating or feeding your child, after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, and after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.

Labor and delivery

Expectant women delivering their babies in the Johnson Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Services may have up to two visitors in their labor and delivery room at any time. Three persons at bedside ages 12 and up, under the age of 12 siblings allowed.

NICU

May have up to two visitors in their labor and delivery room at any time. Children who are visiting must be siblings. 

Maternity

New mothers may enjoy having family and friends visit them in the Maternity Unit from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors ages 12 and up allowed, under the age of 12 siblings allowed.

Overnight stay

In the Maternity Unit, one adult primary support person may stay overnight if the patient is in a private room.

In the Pediatric General Care Units, two parents or legal guardians may stay in the room at the discretion of the nurse if the patient is in a single room. Otherwise, when possible, bedside sleeping facilities are provided for one parent or adult designee.

For parents who can’t sleep at the patient’s bedside, a social worker can assist with coordinating alternate sleeping arrangements. Parents who are assigned to sleep in a parent lounge should vacate with their belongings by 8 a.m. each morning.

Fire codes prohibit sleeping in alcoves, corridors, or open public areas.

Service animals

Services animals are permitted in all areas of Stanford Medicine Children's Health and are open to the public, including most patient areas, provided the service animal does not pose a direct threat or fundamentally alter our operations or procedures. Dogs that solely provide companionship, comfort and emotional support are not services animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act.