Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center continues to see an increase in COVID-19 patients. This, along with seasonal fluctuations, is causing the hospital to experience capacity challenges. The hospital is implementing a new visitor policy to help manage internal resources and ensure the safety and well-being of patients, staff, and providers.
"It was a tough decision for us, it weighed very heavily on us, but we are limiting our visitation," said Saint Mary's Health Network CEO Tifany Coury. "I have witnessed first hand our clinical team stepping in to be that loved one that can't get the visitation."
Effective September 16, 2021, Saint Mary’s will be restricting visitation until further notice, with exception of the following:
* One (1) visitor will be allowed into the ER at a time. (Minors may be both parents or guardians present.)
* Obstetric patients may have one (1) partner and one (1) birth support person accompany them.
* Nursery and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patients may have one (1) birth parent plus one (1) significant other who must remain in the room for the duration of the visit.
* COVID-19 patients who are at the end-of-life may have two (2) visitors.
* Non COVID-19 patients who are at the end-of-life may have up to four (4) visitors.
* Minors under the age of 18 may have both parents or guardians present.
* Patients undergoing surgery or procedures may have one (1) visitor for drop off and pick up only.
* Note in exception cases the visitor must adhere to the following:
All visitors must pass the COVID-19 screening process to be allowed entrance. No exceptions.Â
Visitor must wear a mask at all times or will have to leave the premises immediately.
A visitor must be 12 years or older (except in extraordinary circumstances)
Saint Mary’s visitation policy is here Â
"Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center remains committed to the continuing good health of our community and is currently focused on both the containment and mitigation of COVID-19."
(Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center contributed to this report.)
