Visitation Guidelines

WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center welcomes visitors. Family and close friends can play an important part in the recovery and healing process of patients, by providing a touch of home, encouragement, and support. Please let us know your preferences regarding visitors.

WVU Hospitals East, including Berkeley Medical Center, implemented a new visitor badging system on February 23, 2026. All visitors age 18 and older will be required to check in and wear a visible badge while on campus. The initiative strengthens safety, security, and emergency preparedness at both hospitals and aligns with national best practices for protecting patients, visitors, and care teams.

Upon arrival at both hospitals, visitors will:

• Present a photo ID for registration
• Receive a temporary badge displaying their photo, name, and destination
• Wear the badge visibly for the duration of their visit

Badges are valid for one day. Visitors will re-register each day they visit. The registration process takes approximately three minutes. Children accompanying an adult visitor will also receive a badge linked to the adult’s registration.

General visiting hours are from 8 am – 9 pm. Patients are permitted to have up to two (2) visitors at a time. One (1) approved visitor is allowed to remain with an Intensive Care patient overnight. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult who is not the patient. Some units such as Women & Children’s and the Behavioral Health Unit follow different guidelines which are posted and available to you in those areas. Patient and caregiver safety is our highest priority.

Visitation may be restricted for various reasons including:

• During times when procedures or assessments are being done.
• During private talks between healthcare providers and the patient, if the patient does not want visitors to be present.
• Patient choice.
• When a visitor’s behavior is disruptive or presents a risk to patients or hospital staff.
• When emergency procedures are being done on the patient or nearby patient.
• When privacy is needed for the other patient in a shared room.
• When there is a court order limiting contact with the patient.

In accordance with best practices regarding hospital visitation due to various respiratory illnesses, the following changes to our visitation policy will be observed:

• All visitors are strongly encouraged to wear a mask
• One visitor who is not visibly ill is allowed per patient at all times for decision making and support.
• Visitation in all areas will be limited to 2 visitators at a time, in addition to the 1 permanent visitor.
• Visitors experiencing symptoms below will not be permitted to visit
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Fever or chills
  • Headaches
  • Muscle or body aches
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore throat
• We reserve the right to ask any visitor who is ill or displaying symptoms to leave for everyone’s best interest.