Policies

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic masks are required for all visitors regardless of vaccination status. Masks must be worn over the nose and mouth and must be worn at all times while inside our facilities. If you are feeling sick, please reschedule your visitation to another day when you feel better. The Wilmington VA Medical Center (WVAMC) has updated visitation at its facilities.  To protect the health and safety of our Veterans and employees.

Effective Monday, April 25, 2022, at 12:01 a.m., the following guidelines for visitors of hospitalized patients at WVAMC are outlined below:

General Visitor Requirements:

• All support persons/visitors are screened for COVID-19 symptoms and will not be permitted entry if they fail the screening procedure.
• Parents should make every attempt to find childcare to avoid bringing anyone younger than 12yrs of age into the facility.
• Patients with disabilities, including chronic cognitive impairment such as dementia, may be accompanied by one support person.
• Up to two visitors at the same time are allowed for patients in hospice who are at the end of life.  The two visitors may switch out with family members at the discretion of the unit manager or charge nurse.
• The unit/department staff shall provide instruction, before visitors enter the patients’ rooms, regarding hospital policies to prevent spread of COVID-19, as well an any other pathogens for which transmission-based precautions may be required.
• Visitors may not stay overnight.

Emergency Department Visitor Guidelines:

• May have up to one support person per patient at the bedside.
• Support person will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry to the facility, must wear a mask, and remain in the patient room.

Outpatient Visitor Guidelines:

• May have up to one support person per patient in outpatient area.
• Support person will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry to the facility, must wear a mask, and maintain social distancing in waiting areas.

Acute Care Unit Visitor Guidelines (ICU, 4 East, 4 West):

• May have up to two visitor(s) per patient.
• Visiting hours are between the hours of 11 am and 8 pm.
• Support person will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry to the facility, must wear a mask, and remain in the patient room.

Community Living Center Visitor Guidelines:

• The Community Living Center continues to follow National guidelines. The Community Living Center is scheduling visitor appointments. Visitors must remain masked during their visit with residents and remain in the designated areas. Please contact the Community Living Center MSA if you have any questions or want to schedule a visit @ 302-994-2511 ext 4744 / 4745.

All support persons/visitors/companions must:

• Follow masking guidelines, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette precautions while in the common areas of the facility.
• Bring surgical masks from home if possible. If not masked upon arrival, a mask will be provided. Loose-fitting cloth masks, bandanas, gaiters, and cloth masks with valves are not permitted. Masks that are provided should be re-used until damaged or soiled.
• Respect social distancing of at least six feet as much as possible, including in the patient’s room.
• Perform hand hygiene frequently with soap/water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and limit surfaces touched.
• Remain in the patient’s room except for entry to/exit from the hospital/facility to the extent possible. Visitors should limit their movement within the facility and if required to wait in the lobby, should remain masked and physically distant from others.
• All support persons/visitors/companions must remain masked for the duration of their visit, even if they have a negative COVID-19 test. This includes remaining masked while in the patient’s room.
• Visitation privileges may be discontinued at any time based on the clinical situation of the patient, visitor noncompliance with recommended procedures, or other factors.
• Any questions related to visitation will be directed to the Nursing Officer of the Day (NOD) at (302) 647-2047.

Thank you for being a partner in your care. If you have questions, please speak with your nurse or a member of our care team.

Security 

The Wilmington VAMC has a Police Service. Our officers provide 24-hour patrols of the facility and parking lots. For general police assistance, please dial 800-461-8262, ext. 5280. In case of an emergency, dial 911. 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.

Because the VA Medical Center is Federal property, all persons and bags are subject to search. In addition, no weapons, alcohol, or illegal drugs are permitted.