Updated Visitation Guidelines Effective June 22

Date: 06/22/2022

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 seen a significant decrease in COVID-19 positive cases across Kennebec County with the state experiencing a similar increase in this same time period. Because of this, we have decided to relax our Visitation Guidelines for several departments effective Wednesday, June 22, 2022.

Please review each area below for specific visitation restrictions.

Please note:  All visitors are required to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry, meet the screening requirements 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. 

Any patients suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 cannot have in-person visitors. Alternative options for communication with inpatients are available to keep families/friends connected (Zoom, etc.). Exceptions may be made for patients at end of life. 

Acute Care Unit
Patients are allowed to have no more than two (2) visitors at a time between the hours of 10 am – 8 pm. Visitors are allowed to leave and return with no limits on the total visitors each day. Visitors must stay in the patient’s room while here. 

Visiting hours may be extended for end-of-life patients when approved by Nurse leaders on a case-by-case basis. 

Birthing Center
One (1) support person is allowed with an expectant mother for the duration of her hospitalization and one (1) additional person during the birthing experience. Then allowed two (2) visitors between the hours of 10 am – 8 pm. Visitors are allowed to leave and return during the day and must stay in the patient’s room while here. The support person counts as a visitor. 

Day Surgery
One (1) 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’s room while here.

Emergency Department
Two (2) visitors are permitted to accompany the patient in the Emergency Department. Exceptions may be made for care plan discussions as arranged with the care team or for end-of-life situations.

Outpatient Medical Practices/Offices/Testing areas
Patients are allowed to have one (1) person attend the appointment with them. For pediatric patients, both parents/guardians may attend the appointment.  

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.