Outside Visitors

• Age of Participants: All visitors coming into the hospital for an event will be 18 years old or older. Children and other family members must be left at home.
• Outside visitors will be limited to a maximum of five individuals
• One of our most important responsibilities is to protect the health and safety of our patients and families. Many of our patients have a suppressed or weakened immune system. If you or a member of your group have had a fever, rash, cough, diarrhea or vomiting, or have been exposed to flu, chicken pox or measles within 72 hours prior to the planned visit, they will not be permitted to enter the space.
• All visiting participants will be asked to complete a limited volunteer waiver agreement that includes a health screening attestation.
• Business casual dress is preferred. Closed toe shoes must be worn and all clothing must be clean and free of inappropriate slogans and logos. Jeans are permitted as long as they are not torn or tattered. No shorts or short skirts; no tank tops or low-cut tops, midriffs must be covered at all times. Tattoos must be child-friendly or covered with clothing. No fragrances are allowed, e.g. no perfumes, cologne or aftershave.

Events

• The most appropriate events for children who are hospitalized are
  • Highly entertaining, educational and/or therapeutic
  • Unique
  • Appropriate for many ages
  • Physically and emotionally safe
  • Appropriate for various medical conditions
  • Free of any religious or political content
• All subject matter must be non-threatening to young children. Please avoid themes that deal with violence, death, monsters and/or blood. We do not allow religious materials or toy weapons to be part of any programs.
• Your group can expect to see children participating in events that have had body changes, are in wheelchairs or on stretchers, and have IVs or other equipment. Our staff will help you accommodate any special needs the children may exhibit during the event.
• Your audience will vary as far as the number of children who attend, how long they are able to stay, and their attention span — these will often be based on their medical needs happening at that time. Events should be interactive and run 30 minutes to an hour.
• Toys and gifts are not to be distributed unless previously screened by Patient and Family Centered Care.
• Latex balloons and live plants are not permitted in the hospital.
• Groups will need to come prepared with everything needed for the event.

Space & Equipment

• RJ’s Activity Center has a variety of areas to accommodate activities including some seating areas, tables and chairs, and play equipment.
• RJ’s Activity Center is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-noon and 2 p.m.-5 p.m. It is also open weekends 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Events are recommended during the week for best staffing.
• RJ’s Activity Center includes an ability to broadcast a small portion of the space to patient rooms for patients who are unable to come down to the Activity Center. This can show two to three people on camera for performance, demonstration or other programming.
• If your event will include the use of any electronic equipment, please let us know so our electricians can check the equipment for safety before the event. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital cannot guarantee availability of any electronic equipment, so please plan to bring anything you may need.

Media Coverage

• While media coverage is not encouraged, it will be considered based on the content, size, and purpose of the visit/performance. Media presence can distract from the children’s experience and can limit participation due to consent forms for confidentiality. All media invitations or press releases made by your group must be coordinated with the Hospital’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at least one week in advance.

Privacy & Confidentiality

• Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital maintains strict rules surrounding the privacy of the children we treat. We only allow pictures to be taken by approved media in coordination with the Public Relations and Marketing and Communications Department.
• Visitors should not ask personal questions about children’s medical conditions, family situations, treatment protocol and/or prognosis. 

Submit a Special Event Request

Approval Process

Proposals for events are reviewed by a group on a biweekly basis. If approved, groups can anticipate hearing from the Patient and Family Centered Care Department to secure date and discuss more details of event.