Visitor passes reflect UHS’ commitment to safety

UHS and its hospitals have always been innovative in the delivery of healthcare services, and have been recognized time and again for their commitment to quality, safety and compassionate care. 

UHS Hospitals is continually focused on improving the safety and security of its facilities and campuses, making them easy to navigate and offering patients a comforting and healing experience.

Within the past few years, hospital leaders have enhanced security on UHS Hospitals property, added fencing, security cameras and emergency call stations in parking lots, and improved lighting around buildings. 

Security officers are available 24 hours a day to escort patients, visitors and staff to their cars, and public access to facilities is controlled. 

In keeping with these advances in safety, security and comfort, plus clearer information and better access, UHS Hospitals will be adding visitor passes starting next month. This will help ensure patient, visitor and staff safety, provide enhanced patient privacy and assist guests in getting where they want to go.

The new visitor pass requirement will go into effect at UHS Wilson Medical Center on April 1, and at UHS Binghamton General Hospital on July 1. The requirement will apply to all visitors, including outpatients, vendors, persons visiting patient rooms and other hospital departments, and certain other non-staff guests.

Upon entering a UHS Hospitals facility, the visitor will be asked to show their driver’s license or other government-issued identification, which will then be scanned. Once the ID is validated, the person will be given a temporary visitor pass to wear while on the premises. If the visitor doesn’t have ID with them, a photo of the person will be taken.

The visitor pass will include the visitor’s picture and identify the unit they are going to and the date of the visit.

Also, starting soon, public access to UHS Hospitals will be limited to the following entrances:

-At UHS Wilson Medical Center, starting April 1 – The Decker Center entrance and the entrance to the Emergency Department.

-At UHS Binghamton General Hospital, starting July 1 – The main entrance on Mitchell Avenue, the front entrance of the 40 Mitchell Ave. building, the entrance from the parking lot on Park Avenue, and the Emergency Department entrance on Park Avenue.

UHS staff and volunteers are always prepared to help visitors who need directions or assistance in finding their way around any UHS campus or building, and in getting to the person or department they wish to visit.

UHS is a locally owned, not-for-profit hospital and healthcare system serving Greater Binghamton and surrounding counties. Founded in 1981, UHS provides a full range of medical, surgical, rehabilitative and long-term care services throughout New York’s Southern Tier.

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