VISITATION POLICIES IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19

As we continue to evaluate the COVID-19 situation, we are adjusting our policies and procedures to ensure we are prioritizing patient and staff safety. Effective February 15, 2022, Hendry Regional Medical Center will change our policies surrounding visitation within our facilities.

We are updating our visitor policy for specific patient populations and asking that all visitors wear masks and to practice social distancing. The policy will be in place until the transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat to patients, staff, and the community. We ask all unvaccinated community members to please consider getting vaccinated as we work to maintain the safety of our patients and staff-during.

Visitation Policy

LIMITED visitation is restricted to Outpatient Procedures and/or Surgery, Emergency Department, End of Life or Pediatric Patients only. See alternate exceptions and Limited Visitation policies below for more information. Thank you for your understanding as we work to protect the safety of our community.

COVID Patients

Patients under investigation (PUI) or COVID positive patients may not have visitors, in accordance with isolation guidelines.

Limited Access Point

We are limiting the access points that employees, patients, and visitors can use to enter the Hospital. This is to ensure that everyone who enters the Hospital has been screened. Our Public entrance is our Main Entrance located on Olympia Street.

Screenings

All Individuals will be screened at the Olympia Street entrance of the Hospital & at clinic locations. All visitors will be screened daily for symptoms, including fever (infrared temperature check for fever greater than or equal to 100°F), cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, new or worsened congestion that differs from their typical seasonal allergies, body aches, fatigue, loss of smell/taste, diarrhea. If visitor screens "YES" to any of the screening symptoms, the visitor will not be allowed to enter building or clinic. Visitors will be asked their vaccination status. HRMC does not mandate visitors be vaccinated to enter. Visitor phone numbers will be collected and used only in the event of possible exposure.

Face Masks

All patients, vendors and staff are required to wear a mask at HRMC. HRMC is unable to provide masks for individuals (non-staff members) at this time. Facemasks must be properly worn at all times covering both the nose and mouth.

Emergency Department

Emergency Department patients may have one (1) visitor with them at bedside only, no visitors in the waiting room. Visitors must always remain in the patient room, once the visitor leaves, they may not reenter. Special consideration may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Visitation for Hospitalized Patients

In- Patient hospitalization patients may have up to two (2) designated visitors per day. The visitor can visit only between the hours of 7am-8pm. Visitors will need to enter via the Olympia Street entrance between 7apm-5pm, and the Emergency Department entrance between 5pm-8pm. Visitors must always remain in the patient room, once the visitor leaves, they may not reenter. Special consideration may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Outpatient Procedures / Surgery:

Patients undergoing outpatient surgery and/or procedures may have one designated visitor who will be permitted to assist with the arrival and registration process. Visitors may wait in the patient room only, or the visitor may leave the facility during the procedure/surgery, remain near the premises, and will be contacted by phone post-procedure/surgery.

Lab / Imaging:

For Lab draws and Imaging procedures patients may have one (1) visitor with them. Special consideration-which will be evaluated by the Department's Director and Administration.

Exception to the Visitor Policy

Exceptions to the Visitor policy will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. End of Life: End of life is defined as anticipated death with an active DNR in place and/or planned withdrawal of life-sustaining interventions (e.g., ventilator). Clergy are considered visitors. Thank you for understanding and support. These changes are being made to protect your loved one, and the loved ones of others in our facility. We will ease the restrictions as soon as possible. Visitation Policy is subject to change and updates are in accordance with best practice guidelines provided by the CDC and continued monitoring of local infection rates.