For Patients and Visitors

At OHSU, we believe the support of friends and family is an important part of healing.

Visitors: Hours for visiting most adult patients are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Some areas may limit the number of visitors you can have at one time.

Masks: Oregon no longer requires masks in health care settings. At OHSU, we still require masks for ages 2 and older:

  • In areas where patients and staff are at greatest risk.
  • By patient request.
  • Based on guidance from the CDC.

See where masks are required: English | Spanish

OHSU respects all who choose to wear masks, at any time and in any setting. The reasons to wear a mask may be very personal. We expect all OHSU members, patients and visitors to respect this choice.

OHSU strongly recommends mask-wearing throughout our health care system, including at OHSU hospitals and clinics, Hillsboro Medical Center and Adventist Health Portland. OHSU highly recommends all patients wear masks when outside their room.

OHSU staff will wear masks if asked to do so by patients or family members, and are expected to ask about your masking preference. Please let us know at any time if you would like us to wear masks.

COVID-19 updates:

Visitor policy

People with disabilities can have support people

Everyone deserves access to health care. People with disabilities have the right to get support from people they trust while they are in the emergency room or hospital.

If you have a disability and need help speaking with hospital staff, deciding on health care or doing daily tasks, you can name at least 3 support people (friends, family, paid or unpaid personal care assistant, etc.) to help you.  

A disability may include a physical, intellectual, behavioral or cognitive impairment, deafness, being hard of hearing or other communication barrier, blindness, autism, or dementia.

You can always have 1 support person with you:

  • In the emergency room
  • During your hospital stay if you need them to help with your care
  • For any talk about hospice care
  • When you discuss or think about signing an advance directive or POLST form

Support people must follow OHSU’s infection-control standards and OHSU policy for safety.

You can read our full policy

Notes:

  • The patient or their representative decides whether support is needed.
  • Treatment should still be guided by an existing POLST, advance directive or similar instruction.
  • “Support person” means a family member, guardian, personal care assistant or other paid or unpaid helper chosen by the patient to physically or emotionally help them, or make sure they can communicate with hospital staff.

Visiting patients in the hospital

  • Hours for visiting most patients are 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
  • Adult patients can have 1 overnight visitor in most cases.
  • Child patients can have 2 overnight visitors in most cases.

Surgery and other procedures

  • Patients are required to have a responsible adult (age 18 or older) available to learn discharge instructions and to take them home after their surgery/procedure. If you have a disability and need help speaking with hospital staff, deciding on health care, understanding health care information or doing daily tasks, you can give us the names of at least 3 support people/caregivers and have 1 support person/caregiver with you in the hospital.

ADA accommodation requests

OHSU strives to provide equitable and inclusive access to services for patients and visitors with disabilities. To request an accommodation:

Patients: Contact your clinic or health care team to let them know about your access needs as early as possible. Some services may take time to arrange.

Visitors supporting a patient: Ask the patient to contact their clinic or health care team to request the accommodation for you.

We will do our best to honor your request each time you visit. For questions or concerns about your request, contact the clinic or health care team. To submit an ADA compliance complaint, contact OHSU Patient Relations.

OHSU Patient Relations
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays
503-494-7959
advocate@ohsu.edu

Language services

Interpreting services

OHSU provides culturally competent medical care for all patients and their families. Services include free interpreter services for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or who have limited English skills. Our qualified health care interpreters are available at all times by phone, video or in person.

If you are more comfortable speaking a language other than English, OHSU offers interpreters for all languages. Interpreters are available in person for many languages, and by phone for all others. Sign language interpreters are available for those who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind.

When you register as an OHSU patient, please let the staff know that you need an interpreter to help you at medical appointments. You also may request interpreter services when calling anyone at OHSU.

Translation services

OHSU wants to make sure that you understand your medical treatment plan. If you need your written care plan in a language other than English, OHSU can translate it for you free of charge. Please let your provider know what language you need.

We strive to give everyone access to medical care in a language they understand.

Spiritual services

OHSU chaplains provide spiritual support to patients, families and staff regardless of religious affiliation. We provide spiritual guidance, prayer, emotional support and comfort. We help address the spiritual needs of you and your loved ones during your hospital visit.

When should I call a chaplain?

Facing a challenging or life-threatening diagnosis or treatment can lead to deep spiritual inquiry or a desire for spiritual support. Chaplains can:

  • Help share and sort confusing emotions and fears
  • Provide prayer support and nonjudgmental presence
  • Contact community clergy for specific needs

How do I contact a chaplain?

Ask a member of your health care team to contact us, or call 503-494-8777. We are available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and on an emergency basis evenings and Sundays.

Sacred spaces

We have two spaces for prayer, meditation and quiet reflection:

  • Interfaith Sanctuary: OHSU Hospital, 9th floor, Room 9C05, across from the surgery waiting room
  • Meditation room: Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, 10th floor, Room 10301

Locations and more information

OHSU Hospital Chaplains Office

  • 9th floor, Room 9C07, behind the colorful glass
  • Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday
  • 503-494-8777

OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital

  • 10th floor, next to the Meditation Room
  • Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays 
  • 503-494-8777

Bridges Palliative Care chaplain

Spiritual materials: Available in the Interfaith Sanctuary and Chaplains Offices.

Lost and found

We make every effort to help you track your belongings during your stay. But we know things sometimes get lost. If you can't find something, or it's missing after you get home, we'll try to help.

  • If it's been less than 30 days since your stay: Contact the unit where you received care.
  • If it's been more than 30 days since your stay: Call Public Safety at 503-494-7744.

Contact us

Call us with questions about preparing for your visit: 503-494-8311