Patients & Visitors
Current Visitor Guidance
Keeping everyone safe remains our first priority. Based on the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the community, we have made the following changes to our visitor restrictions, effective Monday, March 28, 2022.
For your safety and the safety of patients and caregivers:
- Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
- Hospital inpatients and outpatients: Two (2) visitors per patient at a time.
- Emergency room patients: One (1) visitor at a time.
- Face masks are required at all times.
- Visitors must be age 12 or older.
- Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms are not permitted to enter unless they are seeking medical care.
- Compassionate care/end-of-life situations: Please speak with a member of the care team to discuss visitation exceptions.
All visitors are asked to practice social distancing, hand hygiene and infection prevention:
- Sanitize hands when entering the hospital and when entering or exiting patient rooms.
- Cover coughs or sneezes with elbow or a tissue and dispose of used tissues in the trash.
- Sanitize hands after coughing or sneezing.
COVID-19 Vaccines
The best source of information about vaccine availability in our community is the Indiana State Department of Health. To sign up for a vaccination at Northwest Health - Porter or another location and to find out if you qualify for the vaccination click here.
Monoclonal Antibody Infusions at Northwest Health - Portage
Monoclonal antibody infusions are available at Northwest Health - Portage with a physician's order. Patient must meet the current CDC recommendations. Appointments are required.
Patients who believe they may be a candidate for treatment with a monoclonal antibody infusion should contact their primary care provider for evaluation. Once an order from the provider is received, our team will contact the patient directly to schedule the appointment.
Northwest Health - Portage is located at 3630 Willowbrook Road in Portage.
Outpatient COVID-19 Testing at Northwest Health - Porter
A physician's order is required for COVID-19 testing at Northwest Health - Porter. To find a Northwest Medical Group provider click here.
After the patient receives an order from their physician it will be sent electronically to Northwest Health - Porter (no paper orders). The patient then calls (219) 983-8399 to pre-register and schedule a time for the test. Patients should not come to the hospital without first calling this number and scheduling a test time.
All three urgent cares (Portage, Chesterton and Valparaiso) may test patients who present with COVID-19 symptoms when the urgent care provider orders the test.
The State of Indiana is offering COVID-19 testing to anyone who lives or works in Indiana. A physician's order is not required. Individuals without symptoms of COVID-19 can also be tested. To learn more about the State of Indiana's testing sites click here.
Universal Masking
We are following universal masking guidelines which means all who enter our facility are required to wear a mask. Those who arrive without a mask will be provided with one at the door.
COVID-19 Testing
Patients who have a physician's order for the COVID-19 test, please call (219) 983-5170 for instructions. Patients who are interested in getting tested should contact their physician's office for screening.
COVID-19 Vaccine
The best source of information about vaccine availability and eligibility in our community is the Indiana State Department of Health. The state of Indiana has designated Northwest Health - Porter as a vaccination site. To sign up for a vaccination or to find out if you qualify for a vaccination click here.
At Northwest Health - Porter, we understand that coming to the hospital as a patient or as a loved one's support person can be a difficult, often overwhelming experience. Whether you’re preparing for a hospital stay or stopping by to see friends and family, knowing where to go and what to bring will help make your visit less stressful. To make your experience easier, we want to provide you with helpful information you may need to plan your visit, such as what to expect, parking instructions, transportation and more.
Patient Education
Avoiding Healthcare-Associated Infections