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For many of our patients, staying connected with their friends and family is a vital part of their recovery. Beginning Thursday, April 2, Oregon State Hospital is offering virtual visits to help patients remain connected with their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OSH staff began working on this process as soon as in-person visitations were suspended in mid-March. This, and other safety precautions, were enforced to prevent the virus from infecting hospital patients and staff.

Patients can now register for two, 15-minute visits per day between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Visits will not be available during mealtimes.

Patients will call their friends and family to pick time slots that work for everyone. Once the times are reserved, OSH staff will email meeting links to their loved ones – which will only work for the date and time patients selected. Visits will be scheduled two days in advance. For example, links sent on a Wednesday will be for a Friday meeting.

The email to visitors will also include step-by-step instructions on how to use Skype for Business and a “Frequently Asked Questions”document with more information on the new process.

Patients will initiate all visits, and visits are limited to people on their approved visitor list. Potential visitors may first complete a visitor application and go through the approval process at any time.

Please contact Consumer and Family Services in Salem at 503-947-8109, at 541-465-2785 in Junction City and at osh.consumer&familyservices@state.or.us for general questions, or for more information on the application process. Additional information about visitor applications is listed online on the Friends and Family Services web page.