The health, safety and security of patients and their families is our number one priority at Primary Children's Hospital. Please strictly follow these security regulations, as they are in place to protect your child and your family during your stay at the hospital. 

Wristbands and IDs

Every patient receives an ID wristband when they are admitted to the hospital. Parents and guardians are also given pink bands with matching information. Please adhere to the following rules in regards to using these wristbands: 

  • Keep all ID bands on until after your child leaves the hospital. Your child can only be discharged to someone wearing the matching ID band. 
  • Don't share your ID band with anyone. 
  • Ask a nurse for a replacement ID band if yours becomes too loose or dirty. 
  • Only staff members can remove your child's wristband at discharge. 

TotGuard Radio Frequency ID Bands

Primary Children's Hospital uses a system called TotGuard to keep your child safe. TotGuard ensures a safe and secure environment for your child. A very small tag is applied around your child's arm or leg, and actively monitors and instantly notifies us with any alerts or alarms if your child leaves the hospital without approval. 

Staff Transports

Allow only those staff members with a pink ID badge to transport or handle your child. Ask for the charge nurse to come to your room if you don't feel comfortable letting someone transport your child. 

Confidentiality & Visitation Codes

When your child is admitted, you will be given a confidentiality code number to use when calling in to check on your child. You can share this code with anyone you want and no one without this code will be given information about your child. Some units also use a visitation code. Give this number to anyone you authorize to visit your child, as it is required to enter the unit. 

Taking Your Child Off the Unit 

If you'd like to take your child off the unit, first speak to a nurse. Depending on the security system in use on that unit, the nurse can sign your child out by giving you a hall pass or by signing your child out electronically. If you are given a hall pass, please follow these restrictions: 

  • Keep the hall pass visible as you walk along. Hospital staff will be looking for it. 
  • Make sure every visitor - even those with a pink ID badge - uses a hall pass. If you like, you can leave with the nurse a list of adults who you authorize to get a hall pass. No one without the pass can take your child off the unit. 

It is important not to carry your child in your arms (or let visitors carry your child) while off the unit. If your child isn't able to walk, please use a wheelchair, bed, or wagon with side rails. 

Please remember, if an electronic security system is being used your child may have a water-safe tag device placed around an arm or leg. This tag tracks your child's movements in the hospital and will trigger warning "chirps" or an alarm if your child goes too close to an exit or if the tag is removed or otherwise tampered with. However, the nursing staff control the system so if your child needs to be escorted from the area, they can sign your child out for a specified amount of time. Talk to your nurse if the tag needs to be adjusted or if you have any questions. 

Patient and Family Privacy

We take your family's privacy very seriously. If you decide not to be listed in the facility directory, or listed as "No Information (NI)," that means: 

  • Family, friends and visitors will be told we are unable to locate a patient by that name. 
  • No telephone calls will be put through to the room. 
  • Flowers and gifts will be returned. 
  • Visitor badges will not be issued to anyone but legal guardians/parents. 

While listed as NI, parents and guardians will be responsible to personally escort any visitors you wish to have in the patient's room. You can change your mind at any time and decide to be listed in the facility director. If you would like to be listed, let your nurse know or contact Admitting. 

Working With the News Media

Primary Children's Hospital requires news media to work with the public relations team if they want to access patient information or to contact/set up interviews with patient families. Hospital staff will not release information about your child without your written consent. 

The public relations team can help you decide whether or how to participate in news media requests related to patient status, written statements, interviews, or how to avoid participation. Ask your nurse to call public relations for assistance. 

Safety at Home

It's important to continue taking safety measures once your child has returned home. Here are some safety tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:

  • If anyone arrives at your home unannounced for a Home Health visit or delivery, do not let them inside. All Home Health visits and delivers are arranged with you before your child is discharged from the hospital. Even for scheduled visits, ask to see proper ID before you let them inside and do not let them in if they cannot produce it.
  • Be selective in who you allow into your home for social visits, allowing only those who are well known by your family. Don't allow recent acquaintances inside your house - especially if you've only known them since your pregnancy or your child's birth.