Limiting visitors to keep everyone safe

Date: 08/23/2021

As COVID-19 cases rise across the state, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center adjusts its visitation policy to ensure the safety of patients, visitors, and staff. Beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, August 24, most patients may have one loved one visit per day between 2 and 7 pm.

Visitation changes beginning on August 24 include: 

• Adult inpatients: One visitor per patient per day is permitted from 2 to 7 pm.
• Labor and Delivery: One support person is permitted 24/7.
• Patients who require additional support for communication or behavioral health: One visitor is permitted at a time 24/7. Up to two people in a 24-hour period.

 
Visitation remains unchanged in the following instances: 

• Emergency Department, Surgery/Procedure: Patient is permitted one escort for the time while in these service areas. The escort is permitted to leave the Medical Center one time each day and return.
• End-of-Life: Four visitors per patient, per day with two at the bedside at a time.
• Outpatient appointments: Adult patients are still encouraged to come alone unless it is necessary for a support person to assist with communication, disruptive behavior, or mobility needs. For pediatric outpatient appointments, up to two parents/guardians/primary caregivers may accompany the patient.
• Pediatric/NICU: Two parents/guardians, per patient, per day 24/7.
• Trauma: Patient is permitted one escort for the time while in the service area. The escort is permitted to leave the Medical Center one time each day and return.

As a reminder, all visitors must be 18+, meet screening requirements, and remain masked at all times while at the Medical Center, regardless of vaccination status, following the CDC guidelines for the safety of all individuals in healthcare facilities. This means visitors may not eat or drink while in patient rooms or other patient care areas and must use public restrooms in the facility. Masks must cover the nose and mouth at all times.

There are times when having additional loved ones present beyond standard visiting hours is crucial, and exceptions to these visiting changes will be reviewed by leaders on a case by case basis.