Mercy Hospital updates its visitor policy
Date: 06/24/2021
Northern Light Mercy Hospital has updated its visitation policy, which is effective June 25, 2021 and applies to all of its hospitals, medical practices, and care sites. Visitors are allowed under the circumstances listed below as long as they are not exhibiting symptoms of an illness and always wear a face covering while in a facility.
Hospital inpatient areas:
- Pediatrics: Two parents/guardians allowed in all areas, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing.
- Obstetrics: Two visitors will be allowed at a time as the patient condition allows. Siblings will be limited to those who can wear a mask and visits from siblings will be limited between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm.
- All other inpatient areas, including critical care: Visitor hours from 8 am to 8 pm daily. No limit to how many visitors a patient can have, though we will allow only one visitor at a time for distancing reasons.
- End of life in any inpatient area: Up to four family members at times to be managed by the care team.
- Patients in isolation for COVID-19 infection or being evaluated for COVID-19 infection: No visitors except for end of life.
Outpatient surgery and procedural areas: Adult patients should arrange for drop-off and pick-up unless they need special assistance. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents/guardians, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing.
Emergency department: One person is permitted to accompany patient, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents/guardians, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing. Exceptions may be made for care plan discussions as arranged with the care team or for end of life.
Ambulatory/diagnostic areas: Adult patients should come alone or arrange for drop-off and pick-up unless they need special assistance. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents/guardians, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing.
Patients requiring special assistance: Patients in any care setting who need help — such as with mobility or communication with the care team about their medical history or care — may be assisted by an adult escort to provide the needed assistance or support. Such necessity will be determined by the care team.
All visitors/escorts are subject to screening for COVID-19. Visitors/escorts with any COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter NL Mercy facilities. Visitors/escorts must:
- Perform hand hygiene prior to entering and upon leaving the patient’s room/care area;
- Wear a mask at all times in the facility; and
- Not go to any locations in the facility other than the room of the patient they are visiting. Hospital cafeterias are open to visitors for food purchase only. The cafeterias are not open to visitors for dining at this time.