Allegheny Health Network today announced changes in its hospital visitation policies that expand opportunities for loved ones and other support people to accompany or visit patients during inpatient stays or outpatient visits.
“At AHN we understand that a patient’s recovery from illness or surgery is greatly enhanced by having a loved one or support person present,” said Brian Parker, MD, AHN’s Chief Quality & Learning Officer. “With the number of COVID-19 diagnoses and hospitalizations decreasing both at AHN and nationally, and as an increasing number of our caregivers are vaccinated against the virus, we are carefully adjusting our visitation policies so that patients can enjoy more of this important support.”
The following changes are effective today:
Patients may have only one visitor in the facility at a time, during regular visitation hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, that support person can change throughout the day. For example, a patient’s spouse can visit in the afternoon, and a parent in the evening. Clergy visitation is also permitted in addition to the support person.
Exceptions from the 11 a.m.-8 p.m. time-frame are made for patients under the age of 18; patients who have an intellectual, developmental or cognitive disability, communication barrier, or behavioral concerns; end-of-life patients; and labor and delivery patients.
Other special considerations include:
- Two visitors (one set of parents) allowed in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
- Doulas (birth coaches) allowed in labor and delivery in addition to visitor
- No visitors permitted for COVID-19 patients who are not at the end of life.
- COVID-19 patients who are at the end of life may have one visitor.
- Non-COVID-19 patients who are at the end of life may have two healthy visitors.
- For surgery/catheterization lab, hospital-based diagnostic and ambulatory services, and emergency department or emergency surgery, patients may have one visitor in a waiting area that accommodates social distancing.
- Adjustments to the policy can be made if volumes prevent appropriate social distancing
Visitors must:
- Present a valid identification upon entrance to the facility
- Be age 18 or older.
- Accept screening and be without symptoms of cough, fever or shortness of breath
- Wear a mask at all times; one will be supplied if needed
- Limit travel outside of patient room and waiting areas
Visitors who have COVID-19, are symptomatic, have been exposed to the virus, or have COVID-19 test results pending will not be admitted.
Only hospital employees are permitted in the hospital cafeteria. Visitors may provide their own food, though it is preferred that they eat prior to visiting.
“Protecting patients is our number one priority,” said Dr. Parker. “We ask our visitors to work with us to keep our patients, guests and staff healthy and safe. We will continue to re-evaluate regulations as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses.”
