VISITATION INFORMATION
Brunswick Hospital Center is committed to providing high-quality psychiatric care in a safe, respectful, and therapeutic environment. Visitors play an important role in the recovery process and their safety, confidentiality, and patient well-being remain our highest priorities.
Outlined below, are the expectations for all visitors to ensure a safe, respectful environment for patients, staff, and other visitors.
Visitation Guidelines
1. General Visitor Guidelines
Admission Procedures
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A list of approved visitors is created upon admission in conjunction with the patient and the social worker. The patient will identify who it is that they wish to visit during their hospitalization, including, but not limited to: parents, children (age permitting), siblings, grandparents, other relatives, peers, legal teams, religious leaders, and members of any care team that the patient is connected to in the community. This list can be updated at any time during the patient’s course of treatment.
Visiting Hours
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Visiting is allowed Sunday through Saturday, offered at two separate times. The afternoon session is from 2:00PM to 3:00PM and the evening session is from 6:00PM to 7:00PM.
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Visitors are limited to two each visiting hour. Two visitors during visitation may split the visit.
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If a family, peer, or care team are unable to visit during the designated times/days, additional visits can also be facilitated via in-person appointment, phone call, or video chat when necessary and are arranged by the social worker.
Check-In Procedures
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All visitors must sign in at the reception desk, present valid photo identification, and wear a visitor badge at all times while in the facility.
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Personal belongings may be subject to inspection for safety reasons. Prohibited items will not be allowed inside patient care areas.
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Once checked in, all visitors will be assisted by nursing staff and supervisors to the appropriate care areas on the units for their visiting time.
Confidentiality
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Visitors must respect the privacy of all patients. Sharing patient information, taking photographs, recording audio/video, or posting on social media is strictly prohibited.
Age Restrictions
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Visitors under 18 years of age require prior approval from the care team and administration prior to visiting.
2. Visitor Conduct Expectations
Visitors are expected to:
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Communicate respectfully with patients, staff, and other visitors.
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Follow staff instructions at all times, including during emergencies or safety procedures.
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Support the patient’s treatment plan by maintaining a calm and supportive presence.
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Refrain from bringing food, beverages, or gifts of any kind. It will not be permitted onto the patient care areas. Any articles of clothing brought in MUST be dropped off at the front desk for review before being given to patients. Clothing may NOT be given or exchanged during the visit.
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Avoid discussing topics or engaging in behaviors that may be disruptive or triggering for psychiatric patients.
3. Prohibited Items and Behaviors
For the safety of all, the following are strictly prohibited:
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Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, blades, pepper spray, or any object that could be used to cause harm.
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Drugs, medication, alcohol, or illegal substances of any type.
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Recording devices, cameras, or live-streaming equipment.
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Physical or verbal aggression, threats, harassment, discriminatory remarks, or disruptive behavior.
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Inappropriate physical contact with patients or staff.
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Delivering contraband (including sharp objects, glass containers, lighters, matches, cords, or restricted electronics) to patients.
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Food or Liquids of any kind, including snacks, water, juices, spray bottles, or any substance that can be ingested or used as a weapon.
4. Special Considerations
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All personal items brought for patients must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate designated unit staff before being given to the patient.
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Some units may require visits to occur in designated areas only and may restrict physical contact.
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Staff may terminate a visit if it is determined that the interaction is unsafe, disruptive, or detrimental to the patient’s treatment.
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If a patient has been deemed inappropriate for visitation (i.e.: acts or behaviors that are deemed unsafe, disruptive, and detrimental to themselves or other’s safety) by the treatment team, administration, or clinical supervisors, BHC holds the right to deny or cancel a visit that is already scheduled. However, alternative arrangements can be made with the assigned social worker via in-person appointment, phone call, or video chat at their discretion/scheduling.
5. Violation of Policy
If a visitor violates this policy, Brunswick Hospital Center may:
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End the visit immediately and require the visitor to leave hospital grounds.
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Restrict or suspend visitation privileges.
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Involve hospital security and/or local law enforcement if necessary.
6. Reporting Concerns
If you witness unsafe, inappropriate, or disruptive behavior, please notify a staff member immediately.
We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for our patients.
If you have questions about this policy, please speak with a unit staff member or contact the hospital’s administration office.