Massachusetts General Hospital understands that visits from family members and friends are an important part of the healing process. Learn what you need to know before visiting patients at Mass General.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours are flexible – there are no established visiting hours or age limitations for visiting patients at Mass General.
Please speak with the patient's nurse or clinician to determine the best time to visit or to discuss the number of visitors or any unusual visiting circumstances that might require special arrangements.
Information Desks
Information desks are located throughout the hospital buildings, near many of the major entrances. Desks are staffed with knowledgeable staff who can help answer any questions.
Patient Information/Patient Privacy
Patient privacy is important to Mass General. Patients have the right to limit access and confidentiality. Patients can indicate to the admissions or nursing staff that no information is to be shared about their condition and/or that they wish not to have visitors. If such a request has been made, it will be communicated to you.
Patient Status Inquiries and Telephone Calls
Patient information is available by calling 617-726-2070. Your call will be forwarded to the patient's unit, where you can speak directly to the patient’s nurse or clinician.
For patients in Intensive Care Units, only questions from immediate family members can be answered.
Waiting Room for Families
A family waiting room is available on the first floor of the Gray Building. A small consultation room is available for family members to speak privately with a doctor.
Volunteers staff the reception desk from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Complimentary beverages are available.
Cafeterias
There are several cafeterias located within the hospital. Please view one of the maps to find the closest cafeteria or ask at the information desk.
Meals With a Patient
Visitors can share a meal with the patient they are visiting. To order a guest meal, notify the assistant at the nurse's station before 11:00 am for lunch and before 3:00 pm for dinner or for breakfast the next day. There is a charge of $4.00 for breakfast and $6.00 for lunch or dinner. If you are planning to bring food into the hospital for a patient, please check with the patient's nurse or clinician before doing so.
Infectious Diseases
For visitors who have been exposed to infectious diseases such as Chicken Pox, Tuberculosis (TB), Mumps or Measles within three weeks of their visit, please speak with the patient's nurse before visiting.
The MGH General Store & Flower Shop - online 
Send flowers, balloons, or other gifts to patients through the hospital's online store and flower shop.
Local Boston information
Learn more about area accommodations, public transportation and other local essentials.
The International Patient Center
Mass General’s International Patient Center helps patients from overseas with making appointments, transportation and language interpretation services.
