Updated Visitation Guidelines Effective January 3, 2022

Date: 01/03/2022

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 few weeks have continued to demonstrate 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 January 3, 2022. 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 one (1) visitor per day between the hours of 1 – 4 pm. 

Patients at end-of life may have up to two (2) total visitors each day. 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
One support person is allowed with an expectant mother for the duration of her hospitalization and one additional person during the birthing experience who will be required to leave following delivery. The support person is allowed to leave and return once during the day. 

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
No visitors are allowed in our Emergency Room with a few exceptions:

• One parent or guardian for a minor patient 
• One person for a patient who needs help with mobility or communication with the care team
• Patients at end-of life may have up to two (2) total visitors if approved by Nurse leaders on a case-by case basis. 

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.