Visiting the Hospital

Our visiting hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Our visitor guidelines below are in keeping with guidelines and policies across the Mass General Brigham system.

Masking Policy Update

As of January 2, 2024, we have reached a high level of respiratory virus activity. You will see the following changes at Mass General Brigham:

• Your care team and other staff will wear a facility-issued face mask during direct interactions with patients in patient rooms and other clinical care areas where direct care is provided.
• Patients and visitors will be strongly encouraged to wear a facility-issued face mask during direct interactions with staff in patient rooms and clinical care areas where direct care is provided.
• Patients and visitors do not have to mask if they prefer not to.
• Masking is not required in lobbies and other common areas. Learn more about the masking policy update.

Inpatient areas

Mass General Brigham hospitals permit two patient visitors at a time per patient. Support persons are considered in addition to the patient visitors.

• Under some circumstances, facilities may need to restrict visits more than the above.
• Support persons are defined as birth partners, parents/caregivers of pediatric patients, attorneys of patients, and designated support persons for patients with disabilities.
• Birth Center patients may be accompanied by two support persons, except in the case of a cesarean section (C-Section). For a C-section only one support person will be allowed in the operating room and the support person will be asked to stay in the patient's room during the C-Section birth.
• Birth Center patients may have two visitors at a time during their postpartum stay between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Siblings may visit between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. during the postpartum period.

Outpatient areas

One patient visitor or support person is allowed in outpatient areas (areas for patients who are not admitted to the hospital, for example, in the emergency room, surgical or procedural rooms, or clinics).

• Please note that in some situations, we may need to limit visitors to ensure patient and staff safety.

Check your symptoms

Please delay your visit to one of our facilities if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Fever or chills
• Cough, congestion, or runny nose
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• New skin rash (with fever)

We also ask that you delay your visit if you are diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19 within 10 days of an appointment.

Comprehensive COVID-19 information

Patient Rooms

Patient Rooms in Wentworth-Douglass Hospital’s Garrison Wings offers generously sized, comfortable spaces to help you feel at home. Most rooms offer sleeper sofas for family members who wish to stay overnight. If your room does not have one, please ask and we will make one available.

Visiting Hours and Quiet Time

The Main Entrance, South Entrance and Garrison Wing Entrance are open from 5:30 a.m.  – 9:00 p.m. Patients or visitors arriving after 9:00 p.m. should enter through the Emergency Department entrance, which is open 24-hours per day. Use the phone on the wall to call security to enter the hospital. 

Birth Center:

New moms and babies need their rest, so we ask that visitors to the Birth Center be limited to immediate family and/or the mother’s support person during our afternoon quiet time, from 1:00 – 3:00. All visitors to the Birth Center need to check-in at the Center’s front desk.

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is a latex-free environment. Please do not bring rubber balloons to the hospital. Mylar (foil) balloons are OK.

Food Services & Cafeterias 

The Department of Food and Nutrition prepares food for patients, staff and visitors. All in-house patients select food from the Room Service menu anytime between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Patients with special needs will be assisted with menu selections.

Registered Dietitians and Diet Technicians, who are members of the American Dietetic Association, perform nutritional assessments on all patients. Dietitians working with physicians make recommendations for patients who require special nutritional care.

The Cafeteria is open daily from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The Waterfall Café features Starbucks coffee and beverages, pastries, soups and other prepared snacks, salads and sandwiches. It is located in the Hospital's Main Lobby and is open Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Vending machines are located near the cafeteria and on the first floor of the Garrison Wing (take a right off of elevator 13 or 14).

Television & Wifi

We offer free cable television service in all of our patient rooms. 

We offer free wireless internet access to patients and visitors under “hotspot_wifi.”

ATMs

Two ATMs operated by TD Bank and Service Credit Union are located near elevators 1&2.

Meditation Room & Healing Garden

Looking for a place for quiet reflection or healing conversation? The meditation room is a quiet, contemplative room that is open to patients, families and staff 24 hours a day. It is located near our Main Lobby, across from elevators 1 and 2. The Healing Garden is a peaceful area designed to help reduce stress and promote healing. Each day, patients, families, visitors and employees visit this lovely outdoors space located outside the Garrison Wing.

Waiting Areas

Wait for your loved one in comfort at one of the visitor waiting areas located throughout the hospital. 
To maintain confidentiality, please refrain from discussing patient care in public areas. Please ask us if you need a private space for conversation.

Lodging

Some local hotels and motels offer discounted rooms rates for our patients and visitors. Please call the business directly to inquire about room rates and to make a reservation.