Hospital and Outpatient Visitation Policy

Effective March 10, 2026
Skagit Regional Health recognizes the importance of family and friends in a patient’s healing process. We also are committed to protecting our patients, families, employees and the community. For everyone’s safety, visitors must follow the rules below. Failure to follow these rules will result in loss of visitor privileges. Our visitation policy may change based on conditions in the community. 

Skagit Regional Health has adjusted our visitor policy to keep our patients, visitors and caregivers safe – while supporting our patients and their families. For patients in our inpatient and observation care units at Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital, we have expanded our general visitor hours and visitation is limited to two people at any given time. 

A summary of the changes and requirements as of March 10, 2026 are listed below: 

Visiting hours: Daily between 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

Screening: Visitors must be in good health and should not have any active infections. 

After-hours visitor entry to the hospitals is through the Emergency Department entrance. 

Masking: For the health and safety of our patients, staff and providers, visitors are expected to follow all infection prevention mandates in place at the time of visit. Visitors should be healthy (no symptoms) or they may be asked to postpone their visit. During periods of influenza or other highly contagious situations, visitation may be limited as determined by Infection Prevention and Administration.  

Staff, providers and visitors must continue to observe isolation precautions as required for patients who are in isolation. 

Departments, clinics and units may have additional specific visitor guidelines, such as: 

Surgical Services and cardiac catheterization lab patients may have one to two persons accompany them pre- and post-procedure and may wait off-site or in the designated waiting area during the procedure. Waiting room space is limited. 

Family Birth Centers do not have restricted visiting hours; however, the number and age of visitors may be restricted. 

Special Care Nursery visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The number and age of visitors may be restricted.  

Mental Health Center visiting hours are from 1 to 2 p.m. daily, and visits must be approved and planned in advance with the treatment team. 

In our outpatient clinics and hospital departments, generally, there will be no visitor restrictions for those accompanying the patient to their appointment. Some exceptions due to waiting room space limitations include: 

  • Limit visitors who accompany patients to Internal Medicine at Skagit Valley Hospital to those providing assistance due to physical and cognitive limitations. 

Arlington Surgery Center visiting hours are from 7:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. One visitor may arrive with the patient for check-in and may be present during discharge. If capacity is available, the visitor may wait in the in the lobby during the patient's procedure. 

Food and drink: Visitors are allowed access to the cafeterias and waiting room spaces.