Visitation Policy
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at North Country Healthcare (NCH) hospitals will generally be from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day, including holidays. Unit-specific visiting restrictions (i.e. ICU, Labor and Delivery) may be imposed based on individual circumstances.
General Visitation Guidelines
1. Each patient has the right, subject to their consent, to receive any visitors whom they designate, including, but not limited to, a spouse, domestic partner, family member, caregiver, or representative. A patient who is a minor may have a parent, guardian, or person standing in place of a parent visit the facility while the minor patient is receiving care.
2. Generally, only two visitors may visit a patient at a time. Additional visitors may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.
3. Minors under the age of 12 who are visiting must be accompanied and directly supervised by an adult visitor at all times.
Visitation for Terminally Ill Patients
If the patient is considered terminally ill by the provider responsible for the patient’s care, then the patient’s parents, if a minor, or the patient’s spouse, next of kin, unmarried partner, or personal representative (chosen by the patient), if an adult, may visit the patient without restriction.
Limitations to Visitation
1. Absent express permission by the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) or designee, visitors are not permitted to enter operating rooms, isolation rooms, isolation units, or any other restricted areas. Visitors will be limited to common areas and rooms, units, or wards in which the patient they are visiting is receiving care.
2. The NCH hospital may deny, limit, or restrict visitation when:
a. the presence of the visitor would be medically or therapeutically contraindicated based on the best clinical judgment of health care professionals involved in the patient’s care;
b. the presence of the visitor would interfere with the care of or rights of any patient;
c. the visitor is engaging in disruptive, threatening, or violent behavior towards any health care professional, staff member, patient, or other visitors;
d. the visitor is exhibiting signs or symptoms of influenza, COVID-19, or any other infectious disease that could affect the care or safety of health care professionals, staff members, patients, or other visitors; or
e. the visitor is noncompliant with hospital policy.
3. Visitors must follow the NCH hospital’s personal protective equipment guidelines and safety protocols at all times while in the hospital. Failure to comply will result in a revocation of visitation rights.
4. If requested, NCH will provide the patient, or the patient’s representative if the patient is incapacitated, with the reason for a denial, limitation, or revocation of visitation rights.
Non-Discrimination
Visitations shall not be denied, limited, or restricted on that basis of age, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, disability, or religion.
Visiting Berlin
Berlin – “The City That Trees Built” – is Coös County’s largest city, located in the Androscoggin Valley in New Hampshire’s northeastern corner. Its population, according to the 2010 census, was 33,055. Berlin extends into the White Mountain National Forest.
The city has a total area of 62.5 square miles and is situated at the confluence of the Androscoggin and Dead Rivers. The Mahoosuc Range is to the east. Jericho Lake State Park is west of the city center and features a man-made lake created in the 1970’s and a network of ATV trails. The city’s highest point is Mount Weeks, which is 3,901 feet above sea level.
Today, the City of Berlin is home to several historical landmarks, some of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Through the work of the Heritage Trail Partnership, the Northern White Mountain Chamber of Commerce and the Northern Forest Heritage Park, a walking tour of the City’s landmarks has been created, along with a museum and reception center.
Berlin is a thriving and desirable community where people work together to diversify the economy, sustain their spiritual and cultural heritage, protect natural resources, increase educational opportunities, build a positive self-image and improve the quality of life for all.
Gorham, Berlin’s neighbor to the south, has long been known for its hiking trails and small-town charm. With its eclectic mix of shops and restaurants along Main Street, it serves as the halfway point between the Atlantic Ocean and Montreal.
Androscoggin Valley Hospital is proud to be collaborating in a number of different areas with Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook and Weeks Medical Center in Lancaster, both of which are also located in Northern New Hampshire.