Skip to main content Skip to site navigation
San Mateo County Health
Helping everyone in San Mateo County live longer & better lives.
Menu
Search

Visitor Information

Overview

Visitor Information

Updated January 2025

Visitors are asked to follow all safety requirements and directions from staff. The care team will help and answer any questions you have.
 

Important information for ALL visitors: 

  • Do not visit if you are sick—please come back when you no longer have symptoms.
  • Masks are strongly recommended even if you are fully vaccinated.
  • Visitors (including children over age 2) must follow all rules at all times when inside the hospital.
  • Visitors who do not follow these rules will be asked to leave and/or may not be permitted to visit in the future.
     

When you arrive at the hospital:

  • Please check-in with a greeter at the entrance when you walk in. They will direct you to the nursing unit.
    » Greeters will be wearing a white collared shirt and gray vest.
  • Masks are available upon request at the entrances. If you are asked to wear a mask for any reason, please keep it on during your visit.
  • Wash your hands using alcohol-based hand rub.

If you would like to speak to a Skilled Nursing Unit (1A) patient over the phone instead, please call (650) 573-3678. 
 

Information about COVID-19 vaccines and testing:

Only one (1) family member or caregiver is allowed to accompany the patient. Please stay at least three (3) feet away from others while you wait.

SPACE IS LIMITED—if maximum room capacity is reached, non-patients may be asked to wait outside or in their car to ensure there are enough seats for incoming patients. Thank you for your understanding.

Exceptions include:

  • A parent or guardian of a minor.
  • A caregiver accompanying a patient who requires physical assistance and/or continuous care.

VISITING HOURS: 
Monday – Friday, 10AM to 8PM 
Saturday – Sunday, 10AM to 4PM

To speak to a patient by phone:
ICU: (650) 573-2360
2A: (650) 573-2455
2AB: (650) 573-2375

  • Masks are recommended and visitors should stay 3 feet apart from each other.
    » If social distancing isn’t possible, you may be asked to take turns visiting in the patient room.
  • ICU: No children under the age of 12.
  • 2AB: children must follow all infection control rules and stay at their guardian’s side.
  • Patients in isolation: before entering the patient’s room, visitors must wear all required PPE (personal protective equipment) provided by staff and wash hands using alcohol-based hand rub.
    » No children under age 2 may visit droplet/airborne/novel isolation rooms.

Inpatient Visiting Rules (handouts)
Visiting Rules for ICU and 2AB , May 2023
REGLAS DE LAS VISITAS PARA ICU, 2AB, Mayo 2023

  • All visitation is at the discretion of the nursing team.
  • No children are allowed.

VISITING HOURS:
Monday – Friday, 10AM to 8PM 
Saturday – Sunday, 10AM to 4PM

Scheduling your visit in advance helps our staff be prepared and available to help when you arrive. If you would like to schedule your visit or speak to a patient, please call (650) 573-3678. 

More information can be found HERE.

Skilled Nursing Visiting Rules (handouts):
Call Us Before Visiting 1A
Visiting Rules SNF 1A, November 2022

Please note that visiting rules are subject to change as needed. Please check back frequently for updates. 

We understand the importance of staying connected and how that contributes to our loved one’s healing. To stay connected with your loved one while they are with us at San Mateo Medical Center, we have support on-site for you and your family.

For questions, call the Patient Experience Team at (650) 573-3731.

 

Video Visits
We encourage you to use FaceTime, Skype, or other video platforms to stay connected with your loved one. If the patient does not have a device—smart phones and tablets are available on the units. Just ask the Nursing Staff for support with this.

Spiritual Care
We are here for you and your loved one in these times of emotional stress. Upon arrival, our Spiritual Care Team calls within 24-72 hours of admission to Welcome the Patient and explain the role of the Spiritual Care Department and our Chaplain. Please let a member of the healthcare team know if you and/or the patient would like to schedule an appointment with the Chaplain.

Healing and Encouragement Notes for Patient
If you wish to send your loved one a note or a photo that can be posted in their room, we will make sure it gets to them. Please send the photo or note as an email to HS_SMMC_PatientExperience@smcgov.org with your contact information along with the patient’s name.

Item Drop-Off
Monday – Friday: 6 AM – 8 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 7:30 AM – 4 PM 
Personal items and food drop-offs are welcome. The Patient Experience Team are present at the Main and West Entrances and can receive any items you drop off. To ensure we get the item to your loved one, you will need to complete a drop off item ticket with our staff who receives the item. Items may not be dropped off at our Emergency Entrance. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Special instructions for 1A Patients and Families only: 1A staff are able to pick up items dropped off by friends and family at the entrances at 11:45AM and 4:30PM every day. Please be mindful of this time-frame
when dropping off items.

 

A team of doctors and nurses are focused on the health of your loved one. We are doing all we can to keep them comfortable and help them heal. If you are concerned about the status of their health, talk to their nurse about the best way to get updates. Call 650-573-2222 and asked to be transferred to the nursing unit. We follow all privacy laws to protect our patients so what they can share may vary.