Northern Light Mercy Hospital updates visitor policy
Date: 03/19/2021
Northern Light Mercy Hospital has updated its visitation policy, which is effective today and applies to all of its hospitals, medical practices, and care sites.
While visitation remains limited, visitors are allowed under the exceptions listed below as long as they are age 18 years or older, 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: One spouse/coach.
- All other inpatient areas, including critical care: One individual is allowed to visit per day between the hours of 3-6 pm. Exceptions may be made at the time of unit admission or for care plan discussions.
- Patients on palliative care/comfort measures: Two visitors daily, once per day, at times to be managed by the care team.
- 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.
Patient discharges: Patients will be brought to an appropriate entrance for pick up.
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 communications 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 closed to visitors.