Updated August 24, 2021

New Health Order – Visitors Must Show Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or Negative Test Result

Due to an increase in infection rates and the spread of the Delta variant, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a public health officer order requiring all hospitals to:

  1. Verify that indoor visitors are fully vaccinated, having received the two-dose series vaccine (such as Pfizer-BioTech or Moderna) or single-shot vaccine (such as Johnson & Johnson). Verification must indicate vaccination was completed two weeks or more from the date of visitation or submit negative COVID-19 test.

  2. Or verify documentation of a negative COVID-19 test.*

Effective August 11, 2021 Torrance Memorial will comply with this new health order and require all visitors to either provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result within 72 hours of each visit.

The following are approved forms of verification:

  • Vaccination Card (verification must indicate vaccination was completed two weeks or more from the date of visitation or must submit negative COVID-19 test)
  • Photo of Vaccination Card
  • Digital Verification (i.e. Healthvana)

*Torrance Memorial accepts test results from either an Antigen (also referred to as a rapid test) or PCR test.

We recognize this change may cause frustration and we appreciate your patience as we implement these changes. Thank you for helping us keep our patients and our staff safe.

Updated Visitor Guidelines - Effective August 4

Effective August 4 at 8 pm, we are implementing a one visitor (same person per day) policy for inpatient units with visitor hours limited to 12 noon to 6pm to ensure the safety of our patients and community. Exceptions apply for compassionate care, maternity, pediatric and NICU units.

Surgery waiting rooms, lobby and dining rooms will also be closed to visitors. Visitors may buy food and coffee but must return to the patient room they are visiting.

All visitors regardless of vaccination status must wear a mask at all times.

The health and safety of our patients, families and staff are our top priority. We recognize this change may cause frustration and we thank you for your patience as we continuously evaluate our visitor policies to allow people to safely visit their loved one while receiving care. Knowing the COVID-19 situation can change rapidly, we are prepared for an increase in patient volume and if necessary, will adjust the visitor policy to meet future demand.

For All Visitors

All visitors, except those accompanying patients receiving services in West Tower, must enter the facility through the Lundquist Tower Main Lobby Entrance to complete a temperature check, health screening and obtain a daily visitor badge that must be displayed at all times.

Visitors must present a government ID to the Security desk to receive a visitor badge. If visitors enter through another location, they will complete the health screening but will be directed to the Lundquist Tower Main Lobby to obtain a visitor badge. No visitors under the age of 16 will be allowed with the exception of compassionate care visitation.

Visitors are required to wear face coverings and a daily visitor badge at all times on the Torrance Memorial campus. In accordance with the CDC safety guidelines, visitors must remove gloves before entering our facilities.

Do Not Visit If You Have:

  • Any symptoms such as fever above 100 degrees, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, runny nose or sneezing, chills, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, diarrhea or new loss of taste or smell.
  • Been exposed to COVID-19 or have recent travel history.
  • Waiting for results of a COVID-19 test
  • Recovering from COVID-19 infection or had a recent (within 14 days) positive test

Inpatient Areas - Effective 8/4

  • Intensive, Progressive and Medical/Surgical Units – One visitor per day between 12pm to 6pm.
  • Maternity Units – Two support persons, 24 hours a day, per stay.
    • Doulas - Maternity patients may also choose to use a certified trained doula in addition to the one support person. Prior arrangements for doula to be present must be made with the Labor & Delivery lead nurse and doula must comply with PPE and Infection Prevention guidelines. Doula must not be caring for any sick contacts in their practice. Doula must leave facility after delivery.
  • Pediatrics & NICU – Two parents/guardians 24 hours a day; may visit at the same time.
  • Transitional Care Unit – TCU will allow a limited number of visitors each day between 9:30am to 5:30pm. To best protect all patients and staff, patients may have one scheduled visitor per day for a one hour visit. TCU visitors must call 310-784-4924 to schedule appointment. Patient visits will occur in a separate, restricted location outside of the unit.
  • Compassionate Care Patients who do not have or are not suspected of COVID-19 – Two asymptomatic visitors will be allowed at the bedside at a time plus 1 clergy care, 24 hours a day. No visitors under the age of 16. Visitors may rotate but must stay outside the hospital until it is their turn.

Additional Inpatient Area Considerations

  • Visitors are not allowed for patients with or suspected of having COVID-19, unless the clinical team has determined the patient is considered compassionate care or needing family care team conference that cannot be done via Zoom platforms.
  • Visitors must remain with the patient in their assigned room.
  • All unit, procedural and surgical waiting rooms will remain closed.

Surgical Services - Effective 5/18

  • Surgical Services – One visitor will be allowed to accompany an adult or pediatric surgical patient.
    • Due to seating capacity restrictions in waiting areas, visitors will need to leave the hospital during the patient’s procedure. A member of the care team will notify the visitor of surgical updates and when the patient is ready for discharge.
    • The only exceptions are for pediatric patients and/or special needs patients. One parent or guardian will be allowed in the surgical waiting room or main lobby and into the recovery area. Visitor must be the same individual for the entire day.

Outpatient Areas

  • Emergency Department – One visitor allowed per patient at a time, if social distancing permits, unless patient is exhibiting respiratory or COVID-19 symptoms. Visitors and/or caregivers not accompanying a patient will be asked for contact information. Clinical staff will assess caregiver need if patient is under the age of 18 or if the patient requires special assistance.
  • Hunt Cancer Center - Effective 8/23/21, no visitors will be allowed. Exceptions will apply for new patient oncology appointments (Patient + 1 Visitor only), patient teaching appointments (Patient + 1 Visitor only) or patients that require additional assistance (Patient + 1 Visitor only). No visitors allowed in the infusion areas, injection room or lab, unless patient requires additional assistance.
  • All Other Outpatient Areas – No visitors will be allowed unless patient is under the age of 18 or the patient requires special assistance in the following areas:
    • Radiation Oncology
    • Radiology and Imaging
    • Laboratory and Blood Draw
    • Rehabilitation, Infusion and Ambulatory Care
    • Endoscopy, GI Lab, and Nuclear Medicine
  • Torrance Memorial Physician Network Doctor Appointments and Urgent Care Centers

As we know, this situation can change quickly. We are prepared for an increase in patient volume and if necessary will adapt the visitor policy to meet future demands.

General Campus Information

Temporary Entrance Closures

In order to best maintain restricted access to visitors, the following measures will be implemented:

  • All visitors, with the exception of Radiation Oncology, will need to enter through the Lundquist Tower Main Lobby South Door.
  • All inpatient and outpatient discharges will occur at the Lundquist Tower Main Lobby North Door (Lomita Blvd. - near flagpole).
    • To coordinate patient pick-up, please call 310-325-9110 ext. 31800.
  • West Discharge entrance will be closed.

Valet

  • Until further notice, valet services in the main parking structure will be suspended. Self-parking still available for patients. See Map.

Cafeterias

  • Surgery waiting rooms, lobby and dining rooms will also be closed to visitors. Visitors may buy food and coffee but must return to the patient room they are visiting.
  • All guests must wear a mask, have a visible hospital ID or Visitor badge and maintain appropriate physical distancing guidelines. Cashless methods of payment are preferred.
  • The café’s offer a variety of quick-serve and ‘grab & go’ meal offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Self-serve food items and beverages have been eliminated. Personal/re-usable beverage cups cannot be used.

Gift Shop

  • Auxiliary Gift Shop in Lundquist Tower: Monday-Friday 9 am-8 pm, Saturday 9 am - 5 pm, Sunday 12 - 4 pm.

Vendors

  • Vendors who do not provide direct healthcare services to patients will not be allowed to visit any clinical facility. Vendors who are engaged in other activities are encouraged to meet with respective staff via telecommunication. All vendors will be screened at designated entry points, including the Emergency Department.