Visitor Guidelines for Duke Health Hospitals and Clinics

Effective April 2, 2025

Duke Health prioritizes your safety and well-being while recognizing the positive effect of visitation on our patients. Please adhere to the following visitor guidelines, which are in place across Duke University Health System.

Aggressive behavior is not tolerated at any Duke Health facility and may result in removal and possible prosecution.

  • Visiting hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.
  • Visitors must check in at the hospital information desk to receive a visitor badge.
  • Visitors of all ages are allowed in inpatient, maternity and ambulatory spaces.
  • Minors must be attended by an adult 18+ at all times.*
  • A maximum of four visitors are allowed per patient at a time.*
  • Visitors must check out upon departure using a kiosk or with information desk staff.
  • Visitors with fever, cough, or other flu-like symptoms should not visit.
  • Visitors will be asked to present photo identification when entering the building.
  • Visitors must adhere to infection control procedures, including wearing personal protective equipment where indicated.
  • As part of our commitment to ensuring Duke Health is a safe place to work and receive care, weapons detection systems are currently utilized at Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, and Duke Raleigh Hospital, a campus of Duke University Hospital. All patients, visitors, and non-credentialed vendors will be screened upon entry into our campus buildings. 

*Additional visitation and masking precautions may apply to certain patient populations, including but not limited to patients with highly communicable diseases as dictated by Infection Prevention, oncology, end-of-life, and overnight visitors. Please follow all unit guidelines and posted signage. Additionally, exceptions to visitation restrictions may be granted based on special circumstances, including but not limited to permit compassionate care visitors.

A maximum of four visitors of all ages are allowed per patient at a time. Switching is allowed.

One overnight visitor age 18+ is permitted; no switching allowed. If visitor leaves the hospital after 9 p.m., visitor will not be permitted to re-enter until visiting hours begin the following day at 8 a.m.

If a visitor stays overnight and would like to stay the following day, they must check in and receive a new identification badge by 8 a.m. the following day.

A maximum of four visitors of all ages are allowed per patient at a time. Switching is allowed.

Two overnight visitors age 18+, unless a parent or caregiver of patient, are permitted. No switching allowed.

  • If visitor leaves the hospital after 9 p.m., visitor will not be permitted to re-enter until visiting hours begin the following day at 8 a.m.
  • If a visitor stays overnight and would like to stay the following day, they must check in and receive a new identification badge by 8 a.m. the following day.

A maximum of four visitors of all ages are allowed per patient at a time. One visitor is allowed in labor and delivery OR. Switching is allowed.

Four overnight visitors age 18+, unless parent or caregiver of patient, are permitted in labor & delivery; two visitor in post-partum; no switching allowed.

For new patients, visitors may arrive at any time. For subsequent nights, if visitor leaves the hospital after 9 p.m., visitor will not be permitted to re-enter until visiting hours begin the following day at 8 a.m.

If a visitor stays overnight and would like to stay the following day, they must check in and receive a new identification badge by 8 a.m. the following day.

A maximum of four visitors are allowed per patient. Switching is allowed in the main lobby or outside the facility.

Up to two visitors of all ages are allowed to visit; switching is allowed.

One visitor is permitted in the treatment space. One visitor is permitted to wait in the lobby.

Up to four visitors age 18+ are allowed per patient, with one in the clinical area; switching is allowed.

Up to four visitors age 18+, unless parent or caregiver of pediatric patient, with two adults in clinical area; switching is allowed.

Up to four visitors ages 18+ are allowed per patient, with one in the clinical area. Switching is allowed.

Up to four visitors ages 18+ unless parent or caregiver of pediatric patient, with two adults in clinical area. Switching is allowed.

Up to four visitors of all ages. Switching is allowed.

Up to four visitors of all ages. Switching is allowed.

Up to four visitors of all ages. Switching is allowed.

Up to four visitors of all ages. Switching is allowed.

Compassionate Care Visitors
Individuals who request to visit a patient who is experiencing any of the following circumstances: (a) end-of-life situations; (b) the patient was living with his or her family before recently being admitted to the facility and is struggling with the change in environment and lack of physical family support; (c) the patient is grieving after a friend of family member recently passed away; (d) a patient who needs cueing and encouragement with eating or drinking, previously provided by family or caregivers, is experiencing weight loss or dehydration; or (e) the patient used to talk and interact with others, but is experiencing emotional distress, seldom speaking, or crying more frequently when the patient rarely cried in the past. A patient’s care team shall determine whether a patient is entitled to Compassionate Care Visitors. Patients have the right to withdraw or deny their consent to one or more Compassionate Care Visitors at any time. 

The persons and agencies tasked with investigating violations of hospital patient visitation are:

  • Duke University Hospital (Patient & Visitor Relations): 919-681-2020, option 3
  • Duke Regional Hospital (Patient & Visitor Relations): 919-470-4747
  • Duke Raleigh Hospital, a campus of Duke University Hospital (Patient & Visitor Relations): 919-862-5848
  • North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services: 919-855-4800