ATTENTION Caregivers and Visitors
To help prevent the transmission of COVID-19, Griffin Health is taking temporary precautions to protect visitors, caregivers, and the community.
All visitors to Griffin Hospital may enter through the hospital main entrance only and will be screened prior to entry for their safety and the safety of their loved ones. The screening process includes information about symptoms of respiratory illness. Based on screening results, visitation and entry may be restricted.
Individuals showing signs of COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) will be asked to return home and are invited to connect with their loved ones through virtual means, such as Skype, FaceTime, or telephone calls.
We appreciate your cooperation during this time of heightened concern.
Visitation for Patients Admitted at Griffin Hospital:
- All Griffin Hospital encourages all patients and visitors to be vaccinated, but will no longer require proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or proof of a negative PCR test result within the last 72 hours to enter the hospital.
- Patients who are on isolation for COVID-19 infection will be able to designate a single Care Partner that can be with them during their stay but will not otherwise be permitted to have visitors. Care Partners will be required to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment while in the patient room and follow all established infection control protocols. Care Partners for patients on isolation for COVID-19 infection will be encouraged to stay in the patient room as much as possible and will be asked to not visit any other areas of the hospital, including the cafeteria.
- Patients who are on airborne infection control precautions for COVID-19 infection will generally not be permitted to have a Care Partner or visitors. Special exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
- Patients in the CP South Inpatient Psychiatric Unit will be permitted one visitor at a time.
- Patients admitted to the Childbirth Center (CBC) will be permitted to have one visitor at a time, providing that the visitor is fully vaccinated* for COVID-19 or has proof of a negative PCR test result within the last 72 hours, is screened upon entry, and is asymptotic. The visitor will be encouraged to stay in the CBC and not visit other areas of the hospital.
- Exceptions will be made for special circumstances on a case-by-case basis, which will include allowing visitors for end of life situations, patients with disabilities or difficulty communicating, and patients under investigation for COVID-19 for the purposes of discharge to a nursing facility.
- Any visitor that stays more than 12 hours will be rescreened for temperature by the nursing team on the unit.
Visitation for the Emergency Department (ED):
- Patients will be permitted to have one visitor with them, but the visitor will be asked to stay in the room with the patient.
- Patients who have an active COVID-19 infection or who are isolated pending results will not be permitted to have visitors.
- Exceptions will be made for special circumstances on a case-by-case basis, which will include allowing visitors for end of life situations, patients with disabilities or difficulty communicating, and patients under investigation for COVID-19 for the purposes of discharge to a nursing facility.
- Any visitor that stays more than 12 hours will be rescreened for temperature by the nursing team on the unit.
Visitation for Outpatient Services:
- Griffin Hospital – Patients coming to Griffin for outpatient testing may be accompanied by one caregiver.
- Ambulatory Care Center and Cancer Center – Patients coming to Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology and the Ambulatory Care Center will be allowed to have one caregiver accompany them to provide assistance if needed. Caregivers who accompany patients should remain in the waiting area and will not be allowed in the treatment area.
- Exceptions will be made for special circumstances on a case-by-case basis, which will include patients with disabilities or difficulty communicating as well as pediatric patients.
Visitation for Surgical Services:
- Visitors are not allowed in Same-Day Surgery, Interventional Radiology, Gastrointestinal Surgery Suite, Operating Room or Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at any time with the exception of a fully vaccinated parent or guardian of a pediatric patient.
- Exceptions will be made for special circumstances on a case-by-case basis, which will include end of life situations, patients with disabilities and difficulty communicating, and pediatric patients.
Visitation for Community Services:
- The Griffin Hospital Cafeteria and Cancer Center Café are closed for dining to visitors from the community with the exception of the TEAM Inc. Senior Dining Program. All members of the Senior Dining Program must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 including a booster vaccine if eligible.
Special Provisions for Persons with Disabilities (applies to all hospital inpatient, Emergency Department, and outpatient services):
- Pursuant to an order issued by the Connecticut Department of Public Health on June 9, 2020, patients with disabilities, including patients who are COVID-19 positive, may have a designated support person to support their disability-related needs during their visit to the hospital.
- All other provisions of Griffin’s visitation policy, including screening for COVID-19, limitations on the number of individuals visiting or with the patient, and the right of the hospital to restrict visitors (or support persons) who have been exposed to COVID-19 or are COVID-19 positive conform with the Connecticut DPH’s order and, as such, support persons:
- Must be screened for vaccine status or current PCR test status, and for symptoms and exposure risk. If they are symptomatic or have an active COVID-19 status, they will not be permitted to enter.
- May be denied access where attendant risks of such access cannot be reasonably mitigated. This will include denying access to patients who are on “Airborne Precautions” because they are on a ventilator or receiving high flow oxygen.
- Shall comply with all reasonable requirements imposed by the hospital to minimize the potential spread of infection, including wearing of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and following directions of staff members regarding isolation and infection control.
*Per the CDC, a person is considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. This definition is subject to change.
We recommend that the following people not visit patients or receive visitors while hospitalized:
- Those who are at increased risk of severe illness, including people over the age of 70, immunocompromised individuals, and individuals who live with or care for such people.
- Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days or are waiting for COVID-19 test results.
We will continue to assess these policies to ensure that they reflect the most current knowledge and support our long-standing commitment to person-centered care.
Patient & Visitor Information
Dining Services
Griffin Hospital’s dining room offers a wide selection of hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages.
Learn More
Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts
An old-fashioned neighborhood pharmacy and gift shop. Free local prescription delivery service is available.
Planetree Services & Amenities
Planetree Services & Amenities
Hair Salon
Hair salon and nail services are available for patients at Griffin Hospital.
Social Services
Our social workers can assist you by providing referrals to appropriate community agencies, support groups, or when applying for Medicaid, disability or other entitlements.
- Advance Care Planning
Spiritual Care & Interfaith Chapel
Griffin Hospital offers religious & chaplain services for patients and visitors.
Whether you are here as a patient or visitor, we want your visit to be as comfortable and convenient as possible.
The following information provides useful information about our visitor policy, parking, dining services, and more.
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ATM Machine
An ATM is located in front of Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts, just off the main lobby corridor. -
Ambassador Service
Volunteer ambassadors are stationed in our main lobby and Emergency Department to provide wheelchair assistance or to escort you to your destination.Learn more about volunteering at Griffin Hospital
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Flowers, Gifts, and Mail
Flowers, gifts, and mail for an inpatient may be mailed to:Patient Name
Griffin Hospital
130 Division St.
Derby, CT 06418Flowers, gifts, and mail addressed to a patient will be delivered to their room. Any mail received after discharge will be forwarded to the patient’s home address. Outgoing mail may be given to a nurse or volunteer or deposited into the mailbox, located just outside the the Childbirth Center entrance. Gifts, flowers, and postage stamps are available for purchase from Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts; delivery is free. -
Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts
Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts is located on the ground floor of Griffin Hospital, off the main lobby. Available merchandise includes over-the-counter medications, vitamins and nutritional supplements, surgical supplies, candy and snacks, gifts, flowers, cards and more. Gift and prescription delivery service available.More about Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts
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Guest Services and Patient Information
A Guest Services Representative is available in the main lobby from 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM and can provide patient information, directions, and answer questions.
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Health Resource Centers
Our Community Health Resource Center is a free lending-library of consumer-level health and lifestyle materials to our patients, visitors, and community members. Computers with Internet access are also available. Satellite resource centers are located on patient floors and in the Center for Cancer Care.More about the Health Resource Center -
Hours
Our main lobby entrance is open from 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM. If you arrive earlier than 6:30 AM or later than 8:00 PM, please enter through the Childbirth Center, located at the front of the building, or through our Emergency Department. -
Internet Access
Free WiFi service is available to patients and visitors and desktop computers are available in our Health Resource Center and in the Satellite Resource Centers, located on patient floors. -
Parking and Transportation
Parking at Griffin Hospital is free.Our main parking lot is located in front of the hospital main entrance and a second lot is available next to the hospital on Seymour Avenue. Additional parking is located down the street at the Center for Cancer Care. Parking for the Emergency Department is located at the Emergency entrance.
Valet Parking
Valet parking is available between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM at the main entrance. Valet parking is free for patients and their escorts.
Handicapped Parking
Handicapped parking is available directly in front of the hospital.Directions to Griffin Hospital
Public Transportation
- Connecticut Transit Bus
A Connecticut Transit bus stop is located next to the hospital. - Valley Transit District
(203) 735-6408 - Greater New Haven Transit District/My Ride
(203) 288-6282
Taxi Service
- Valley Cab Co.
(203) 732-8294
- Connecticut Transit Bus
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Amentities for health and wellness
A number of complementary services and amenities are available to patients and visitors to aid in healing and relaxation.More about Planetree at Griffin Hospital
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Spiritual Services
Our interfaith chapel is located on the first floor of the hospital’s East wing. Chaplains are available 24 hours a day, daily. The chapel is always open for prayer and meditation. Spiritual services and meditations are scheduled regularly and individual contact with patients and family members is available upon request. -
Smoking Policy
For the health, safety, and comfort, smoking is prohibited in all areas of the hospital campus – indoors and outdoors. -
Visitor Policy
We have a liberal visiting policy, based on the preference and condition of our patients. Most units allow patient visiting at any time, unless the patient’s condition prevents it. Patients can designate specific visitors, including, but not limited to, a spouse, domestic partner (including same sex domestic partners), another family member or a friend. Patients may also withdraw or deny their consent for visitors at any time. The hospital will not restrict, limit or otherwise deny visitation privilege on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. While in the hospital, we ask that you speak quietly, silence electronic devices, and avoid unnecessary noise.If you have a cold, sore throat, or other contagious condition, please delay your visit until you are well.
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Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are available upon request at the main entrance and in the Emergency Department.