Join

Sentara introduces new ID policy at medical center

The emergency department at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in Woodbridge.

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is rolling out a new policy that requires visitors to show a government-issued ID and have their photo taken when they visit the hospital in Woodbridge.

The new Visitor Badging System (VBS) is now in effect for all visitors entering the hospital at 2300 Opitz Boulevard.

Sentara provides medical services to those in eastern Prince William, northern Stafford, and southern Fairfax counties.

More in a press release from the medical center.

Visitors will be asked to:

• Show a photo ID at reception, such as a driver license, state-issued ID, or military ID.
• Tell receptionists at the visitor badging station their destination.
• Have a photo taken for a visitor badge, to be worn visibly at all times.

Additionally, all individuals must lock firearms, knives, and other weapons in their vehicles before entering the hospital.

Sentara hospitals are seeking the balance between being welcoming and being safe. Visitor badging has been shown to reduce violence against staff and limits opportunities for theft of personal items from patients or employees.

The VBS expands a long-standing badge protocol in Family Maternity Centers, which helps ensure that everyone entering those secure units is appropriate. The broader goal is to have every person in Sentara hospitals wear a badge, including employees and providers, vendors, outpatients, and visitors.

Health care workers suffer 73 percent of all workplace violence, mostly from patients and visitors. The Visitor Badging System encourages respectful interaction between visitors with staff. Sentara leaders believe that most visitors will welcome VBS to help them enjoy a safer experience.

The first Sentara Commitment to our patients is to ‘Always keep you safe.’ This includes quality care and a safe healing environment. Visitor badging is one tool to help us keep that promise.
Sentara Healthcare is rolling out the new VBS at its 12 hospitals in Virginia and North Carolina.

Recent Stories

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County residents gathered at the Armed Services Memorial on Friday, May 23, 2025, for the county’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony, a time to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to the nation.

MANASSAS PARK, Va. – Community members gathered at City Hall on Friday afternoon to pay tribute to the nation’s fallen service members during a Memorial Day Flag Ceremony.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – A crash involving a tractor-trailer and another vehicle has shut down two of the three southbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Caroline County.

OCCOQUAN, Va. – A downed tree and a blown transformer caused road closures and power outages in the Town of Occoquan on Friday evening, prompting a quick response from town officials and utility crews.

The most anticipated night of the year is almost here! This Saturday, May 31, step into the romance, elegance, and charm of Paris—without ever leaving Washington, DC.

Join us for An Evening in Paris, an unforgettable soirée celebrating the best of French culture. Experience an immersive evening filled with gourmet French cuisine, refined wines, captivating live music, and the irresistible ambiance of the City of Light. Whether you’re a lifelong Francophile or simply love a night of sophistication, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss.

✨ Highlights of the evening include:

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Your Weight Matters National Convention

Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.

This unique Convention truly has something

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has

×

Subscribe to our mailing list