Effective August 12, Visitation Guidelines Updated

Date: 08/12/2021

As we balance the needs of patients and their families with safety concerns for everyone in our facilities, we will continue to adjust our policies as the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 change. The past month has demonstrated a significant increase in COVID-19 positive cases across Kennebec County with the state experiencing a similar increase in this same time period.

To help protect patients and staff, we are updating our Visitation Guidelines effective August 12, 2021. Please review each area below for specific visitation restrictions.

All visitors are required to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry and must wear a hospital-grade mask provided by this facility for the duration of their time in the hospital. If a patient is accepting a visitor, the patient must also wear a mask for the duration of the visit. While visitation is only permitted at a specific time and in limited numbers, there are exceptions below. There are no age restrictions or COVID vaccination status requirement for visitors. 

Acute Care Unit
Patients are allowed two (2) visitors per day between the hours of 10 am – 6 pm. We are restricting visitation to no more than one (1) visitor at a time.

Patients at end-of life may have up to four (4) visitors. We are restricting visitation to no more than two (2) visitors at a time. Visiting hours may be extended for end-of-life patients when approved by Nurse leaders on a case-by case basis. 

Please note: Any patients suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 cannot have in-person visitors. Alternative options for communications for all inpatients (i.e., Zoom) is available to keep families connected.

Birthing Center
Obstetric patients may have one (1) person accompany them for the birthing experience and are allowed up to one (1) visitor during the hours of 10 am – 6 pm for a total of two (2) people each day (there can only be one person visiting at a time). Please speak with the birthing staff for further clarification. 

Day Surgery
One visitor may accompany the patient for their procedure and stay in the patient’s pre-op room until discharge. The visitor must remain in the patient room.

Emergency Department
One visitor is allowed with all Emergency Department patients. However, if the patient is presenting with COVID-19 symptoms, no visitation is allowed until the patient has been deemed COVID-19 negative. 

Outpatient Medical Practices/Offices
No visitors are allowed at our outpatient practices with a few exceptions:

• One parent or guardian for a minor patient 
• One person for patients at all obstetrical ultrasound appointments
• One person for a patient who needs help with mobility or communication with the care team

Thank You!
We understand that family support is an important part of a patient’s well-being. We are doing all we can to best protect those in our care as well as all in our community. Thank you for understanding.