Policies

Before visiting a patient at a VA Eastern Colorado facility, please review the below guidelines. For specific clinic or ward visiting hours and information, call 303-399-8020 or visit the location page.

Entrance screening and face masks
We allow self-screening for communicable diseases upon arrival to our facilities but you may be asked screening questions. A medical face mask will be required for anyone with a high-risk exposure to COVID-19 in the past 10 days, or showing symptoms of any respiratory illness. Masks are not otherwise required in low-risk public areas, including entries and hallways and most seating areas. We will ask everyone to wear a mask upon entering a hemodialysis unit, infusion clinic, emergency department or the spinal cord injury unit at Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center. Staff and visitors must wear a mask when entering the Pueblo VA Community Living Center. Our staff will wear a mask whenever it’s requested by a Veteran during any clinical encounter.

Washing hands
You must follow hand-hygiene policy guidelines, which require you to practice good hand hygiene when you enter and exit patient rooms, and at other times as directed by staff.

Staying home if you are ill
If you have a communicable disease, you won't be allowed to visit our patient care facilities, including our medical center and community-based outpatient clinics.

Following infection-control guidelines
Before you enter a patient's room, you must report to the nurses' station for instructions and follow guidelines on infection-control signs.

Bringing children
Children under the age of 18 may present with their Veteran caregiver. If you are a Veteran who is a nursing mother, you are permitted to bring your nursing child with you.  Additionally homeless Veterans seeking homeless services may have their children accompany them. As always, telehealth appointments are also available to meet your care needs.

Visiting inpatient medical-surgical, intensive care and spinal cord injury and disorder units

Normal visiting hours are between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Clinical care teams can make exceptions to coordinate care for Veterans who rely on in-person supports or caregiver training when necessary to the Veteran's care or in preparation for discharge.

Visiting inpatient mental health units

Normal visiting hours are between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. 

Visiting emergency department

Visitation is available 24/7.

Other considerations during your visit

Giving privacy
Our staff may ask you to leave the room when they’re caring for patients. If a staff member asks you to leave a patient's room, you may continue your visit in the day room, waiting area, or any other public area of the facility.

Limiting your visit
Our doctors may limit, restrict or deny visits for the medical well-being of a patient.  We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Visiting as a member of a religious community
If you’re a member of the religious community, we encourage you to visit patients who belong to your church or religious group. However, you’re not allowed to do general visitation by going from bed to bed, ward to ward or unit to unit.

Visiting a residential facility
Visitation is available however must be coordinated through the Veteran's care team. Virtual visits can be coordinated. Exceptions are only made for outdoor or through-the-window visits where applicable. 

Visiting patients in restraints
In general, you won't be allowed to visit patients who are in restraints. If the treatment team decides that your visit could have a positive effect on the patient, then you may have a supervised visit with the patient when a staff member removes the restraints. Our staff will document how the patient responds to you and other visitors.

Bringing food
You may bring small amounts of candy, fruit and other food items if the nursing staff says they are appropriate for a patient's diet. You may not bring fresh fruit and flowers to patients who are receiving critical care, and you can’t eat or drink in those units.

Prohibited items
You're not allowed to bring weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs or other prohibited items, unless an item is part of conducting official business authorized by the director or designee. If you have questions about what qualifies as official business, contact the facility. Because the VA medical center is federal property, all visitors and bags may be searched.

Security
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center has 24-hour police patrols of the facility and parking lots. For general police assistance, dial 720-857-5800. In case of an emergency, dial 720-857-3911. Report all suspicious or criminal activity, vehicle accidents and personal property losses to the VA police while on the facility grounds as soon as possible.