WASHINGTON — MedStar Washington Hospital Center is warning patients to plan for big delays if they’re coming in during the papal visit next week.
Many roads near the D.C. hospital will be closed and all drivers, bikers and pedestrians entering the hospital campus will be required to show identification. The roads will be closed beginning at 12:01 a.m. Sept. 23, through the evening hours.
The pope arrives 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22 and leaves 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24.
“These road closures and the expected crowds are likely to affect the ease of getting to the hospital,” MedStar Spokeswoman So Young Pak said in a news release.
On Sept. 23, Pope Francis will visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, which is about one mile from the hospital.
Below is a map of the road closures:
The hospital center, which shares its campus with Children’s National Health System, Washington DC VA Medical Center and MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, is asking all patients and visitors to plan accordingly and anticipate traffic and allow extra time to get to the campus.
The hospital center’s outpatient clinics will be closing at noon on Sept. 23.
Get more information on the pope’s effect on the hospital on MedStar’s website.
