Special Visitors

Special Visitor FAQs

Who can visit patients at Mary Bridge?

Visitors must be 16 years or above and must be in good health on day of visit. A brief health screen checklist will be required on arrival before entering any pediatric units in our facility and masks will be provided and worn by visitors during inpatient hospital visits.

What are the ages of kids I might see during my visit?

Our patients range in age from 0-18+.

How long will my visit be?

Visits are scheduled for 1-2 hours depending on activity offered.

What days of the week/hours of the day may I schedule a visit?

Visits may be scheduled year-round Mondays-Fridays only. We recommend visiting between the hours of 9:30am-3:30pm. If we have available staffing, we may be able to accommodate other time requests as possible.

Will I visit kids in their rooms or in the playroom setting?

Visits are scheduled for the playroom setting; however, there may be opportunity to visit with patients in their room if activity is age/developmentally appropriate and if a patient(s) is interested. All visitors will be accompanied by an escort throughout the entire visit. If help is needed for your costume change, you will be required to bring your own escort in with you as well.

How many patients will I see during my visit?

Depending on our census which changes frequently, you could visit with up to about 20 patients though often much less depending on type of visit, patient interest in visit, and number of patients on isolation. In some instances, visits have been with less than 5 patients. Whether you see just one patient or eleven, please know you are making a difference in the life of a child!

May I visit as a costumed character?

We welcome professional costumed characters who know their character role explicitly. Due to the nature of our work, all costumed characters are prescreened to match our needs. Costumes must be professionally dry cleaned within 48 hours of the visit date. Costumed characters will be with a hospital staff escort for entirety of their visit and may not visit in patient rooms where isolation signs are posted.

May I bring gifts?

You are not expected to bring gifts. If you do, there must be enough for all kids, including siblings. Please keep in mind the ages of kids vary from babies to teens. All gifts must be age/developmentally appropriate and cleared by our staff prior to your visit date.

May I give gifts directly to patients I visit?

The safety of kids in our care is crucial, therefore we need to assure gifts/toys are both age & developmentally appropriate before we can offer them to patients. In most cases, if you bring a donation of toys, books, or other items, our trained volunteers or staff will be able to offer them as appropriate. We appreciate your understanding.

How do I schedule a visit?

Please schedule a 15-minute phone call appointment to get started. If your visit is approved after the call, you will be emailed a Special Visitor Contract to fill out and return at least 30 days prior to your visit day. For costumed characters, a follow-up in person interview may be requested and/or photos or videos of past events performed at.

Does submitting a contract guarantee a visit?

No. While we appreciate your interest in visiting kids in our hospital, all ideas are screened for appropriateness and best interest of our patients and families. A child life team member will make the final decision after a telephone and/or in-person interview takes place.

How far in advance should I plan to schedule my visit?

Visits are scheduled at least 30 days in advance. If interested in a visit during the winter holiday months, it’s recommended you reach out 60-90 days in advance when possible as our busy holiday schedule fills up quickly.