Visitor and Masking Policy

At Winship, we recognize the importance of visitors accompanying our patients. We have modified our visitor policy for patients and their caregivers at all of our locations to ensure patient care quality and safety.

Please note the following:

• Patients attending our outpatient oncology clinics, receiving infusion treatment or imaging procedures at any of the Winship locations are encouraged to limit to one (1) visitor throughout the visit.
• Visitors are accommodated in inpatient settings.
• Minors under 16 years of age are permitted, but some restrictions apply and in general we discourage minors from accompanying patients due to potential safety hazards.
  • Minors under 16 years of age must be supervised by an adult other than the patient at all times.
  • Minors under 16 years of age accompanying patients to a procedure (or infusion where there are bays) may be asked to remain in a waiting room or common area while still being supervised by an adult other than the patient.

Please contact your care team in advance if you are not able to comply with the policy. Any exceptions to the visitor policy will be at the discretion of the clinical care team.

In light of the current increasing prevalence of and hospitalizations from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses in our community, we have updated our masking policy to ensure we appropriately protect the health of our patients and each other. While we continue to monitor local conditions and consider necessary updates to our masking policies, the following guidelines apply specifically to Winship clinical facilities.

Outpatient Setting

• Patients and visitors are strongly encouraged to wear masks in Winship facilities for their protection and to protect those around them.
• Staff members should wear masks in Winship facilities where patient care is provided and in public, patient-facing areas of the facilities. In addition to clinics and treatment areas, masks are required in Winship lobbies, hallways, elevators, stairwells, restrooms and any public spaces where patients and visitors could be encountered.
• Masks are optional indoors in Winship research labs, offices, small conference rooms, break rooms and workrooms (i.e., areas behind closed doors from patients and visitors).
• Masks must cover both the nose and mouth.

Winship outpatient facilities where this masking update applies:

• Winship at Clifton campus: Building C tunnel level, first floor and second floor
• Winship at Emory Midtown
• Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital: Winship ground floor including radiation oncology, draw lab and Gamma Knife in addition to infusion and clinics on the first floor
• Emory Johns Creek Hospital: infusion, medical oncology and hematology clinic
• Emory Decatur Hospital: infusion, medical oncology and hematology clinic and radiation oncology
• Emory Buford Clinic: Winship entrance including infusion, medical oncology and hematology clinic and imaging

Inpatient Setting

• Masking is optional for patients unless otherwise directed by the patient's care team.
• Masking continues to be required during direct patient contact by all staff and providers in inpatient areas.

Please note that masking requirements remain in place for all staff/providers, patients, care partners and visitors if they have symptoms of a respiratory illness. Those who wish to continue masking should do so, and we must all be respectful of those choices. If you are experiencing any COVID-like symptoms and have received a negative test, please wear a medical grade mask to protect those around you.

We advise all patients, whether under active treatment or not, with symptoms of coronavirus, or flu, to contact their provider. Please contact your care team via your MyChart patient portal or call 404-778-1900 if you develop symptoms, and we will direct you regarding next steps. Our clinical teams are ready to answer any questions or address any concerns.