Visiting a loved one at the hospital can be a stressful time, and knowing the guidelines and procedures beforehand can make your visit smoother and more comfortable. John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, CA, is committed to providing a healing environment for patients and a welcoming space for visitors. This guide provides essential information for anyone planning a visit to John Muir Hospital Walnut Creek, ensuring you are well-prepared and respectful of hospital policies.
Getting Here and Parking at John Muir Walnut Creek
Navigating to a hospital and finding parking can be the first hurdle for visitors. John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek offers convenient parking options to make your arrival as easy as possible.
Main Entrance and Parking Garage
The primary entrance to John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek is located off La Casa Via, accessible from Ygnacio Valley Road. For patient and visitor parking, turn left from La Casa Via into the hospital’s parking garage. This garage, situated at 133 La Casa Via, is open 24 hours a day, providing ample parking. Using “John Muir Hospital Walnut Creek parking garage” in your GPS will guide you directly to the entrance.
Valet Parking
For added convenience, complimentary valet parking service is available near the main entrance of the medical center. This service can be particularly helpful for visitors who may have mobility concerns or prefer a quicker parking option. Look for signs directing you to valet parking as you approach the main entrance on La Casa Via.
Visiting Hours and Guidelines
To ensure a restful and healing environment for all patients, John Muir Hospital Walnut Creek has established visiting hours and guidelines. Understanding these policies will help you plan your visit appropriately and respectfully.
General Visiting Hours
Standard visiting hours at John Muir Walnut Creek are from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. These hours are designed to balance patient needs with the desire for family and friends to offer support. Please be mindful of these hours when planning your visit.
Specific Unit Guidelines
While the general visiting hours are 9 AM to 9 PM, certain units or departments within the hospital may have slightly different guidelines. Staff on specific units such as Labor & Delivery, Mother Baby, Pediatrics, and the Pediatric ICU will inform patients and visitors of any specific visitation guidelines that differ from the standard hours. Always check with the unit staff for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visiting hours specific to the patient’s location.
No Visitors/Isolation Rooms
It’s crucial to respect patient privacy and safety. Before entering any room marked “No Visitors” or “Isolation,” visitors must check with the Clinical Supervisor or Charge Nurse. These designations are in place for patient well-being and infection control, and adherence is essential.
For detailed visitation hours and guidelines specifically for Women’s & Children’s Services, you can view the visitation hours and guidelines for Women’s & Children’s Services.
Visitor Check-In and Badges
Maintaining a secure environment is a priority at John Muir Hospital Walnut Creek. To ensure the safety of patients and staff, a visitor check-in process is in place.
Upon arrival, all visitors are required to check-in at the entry desks. You will need to present a government-issued identification card to receive a John Muir Health visitor badge. Once visitation is approved, you will be issued a badge which must be worn visibly at all times during your visit.
If your visitor badge is lost, please return to the entrance desk where badges are issued to obtain a replacement. Visitors are only permitted to visit the unit or area specified on their badge. This policy helps ensure patient safety and security within the hospital.
Visitor Responsibilities – Ensuring a Safe Environment
As a visitor, you play a vital role in maintaining a safe and healing environment within John Muir Hospital Walnut Creek. There are several responsibilities visitors are expected to uphold to contribute positively to the hospital community.
Health and Behavior Guidelines
To protect patients and staff, visitors are asked to refrain from visiting if they are sick. This includes exhibiting symptoms such as infection, fever, cold, diarrhea, or vomiting. Additionally, visitors should conduct themselves respectfully at all times. Inappropriate, loud, or threatening behavior is not permitted. Visitation is also prohibited while intoxicated or under the influence of substances. Appropriate attire, including shoes and a shirt, is required at all times.
Visitors should also respect the patient’s treatment and care plan. Please do not provide any care, treatment, food, or fluids to the patient without explicit physician orders. Verbal or physical abuse, aggression, or violence will not be tolerated.
Prohibited Items
For the safety and security of everyone within John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek, certain items are prohibited from being brought into the facility. These prohibited items include:
- Weapons of any kind: Firearms, knives, Tasers, pepper spray, etc.
- Metal items: Razors, paper clips, staples, spiral notebooks, metal cans, safety pins, three-ring binders, nail files/clippers, metal hair clips, etc.
- Tobacco and vaping products: E-cigarettes and all tobacco products.
- Outside food and beverages: Non-approved food or beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) or any perishable items from outside the hospital.
- Drug paraphernalia: Pipes, bongs, etc.
- Non-prescribed medications: Including marijuana products and any drugs not ordered by a licensed physician.
- Fire ignition sources: Lighters, matches, etc.
- Flammable items.
- Bottles of any type.
Violations of these guidelines may result in revocation of visiting privileges, a Behavior Agreement in consultation with Patient Engagement, or involvement of law enforcement.
Visitation by Minors and Infants
John Muir Hospital Walnut Creek welcomes visits from children, but there are specific guidelines to ensure the well-being of both the child and the patients.
Minors and infants visiting the hospital must be accompanied by an adult other than the patient at all times. Children should not be left unattended anywhere within the medical center, including waiting rooms. It is important to ensure that visiting children are not exhibiting any signs of illness and behave in a manner that promotes a safe and healing environment for everyone. Visitors should bring children directly to the patient’s room rather than allowing them to remain in waiting areas.
In some cases, visitation by minors or infants may be discouraged if the patient’s condition or treatment may be emotionally distressing for a child. These decisions are made with the best interests of both the patient and the child in mind.
Amenities for Visitors
John Muir Hospital Walnut Creek provides some amenities for visitors to enhance their comfort and convenience during their time at the hospital.
Vista Cafe
The Vista Cafe, located on the first floor of the hospital, offers a convenient dining option for visitors.
Hours:
Open daily with the following schedule:
- Open: 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Serving times for hot meals are:
- Hot Breakfast: 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM
- Hot Lunch: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Hot Dinner: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Muir Galleria Gift Shop
The Muir Galleria Gift Shop offers a variety of items for visitors and patients, including gifts, flowers, and personal care items.
Hours:
- Open: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily, when volunteers are available.
Gift Shop Phone: (925) 947-5255
For more information about the gift shop, you can visit the Muir Galleria Gift Shop page.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding of these guidelines as you visit John Muir Hospital Walnut Creek. By adhering to these policies, you contribute to a better experience for patients, their families, and the entire hospital community.
