DCHC Relaxes Visitor Restrictions

In recognition that patient support from a family member or friend contributes to patient experience, safety and healing, we desire to balance these important elements with the need to protect patients and colleagues from unnecessary exposure to COVID-19.

Key Considerations:

  • All visitors to the facility must continue to follow screening procedures; anyone with symptoms of a respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat) should not be permitted to enter any facility at any time.
  • The visitor may not be present during any intermittent or continuous aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) during the visitation
  • Visitors only allowed in the patient room or other area in which the patient they are visiting is located; no use of waiting rooms or the cafeteria

Visitors should be reminded, while visiting:

  • Perform Frequent Hand Hygiene; wash their hands with soap and water
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when washing their hands is not an option
  • Use a tissue to cover any coughs and sneezes; perform hand hygiene immediately afterward
  • Wear a mask upon entry into the facility and throughout the visit. Visitors who fail to agree to wear a mask will be asked to leave.
  • The hospital will determine visiting hours; A facility may suspend visitation at any time as warranted (medical necessity; PPE availability, etc.) The clinical team should make every effort to communicate with both patient and family if unexpected changes occur.

Visitation to COVID-19 positive or PUI patients is prohibited unless permitted by state/local law or if the patient meets compassionate care exception criteria:

    • Children (minor) admitted to the hospital
    • Patients receiving end-of-life (EOL) care
    • Developmentally/Cognitively Impaired adults or those who require access to a support person or family member in order to appropriately access and understand the services to be provided to them while in our care
  • The visitor to PUI or those with COVID-19 must be in a single patient room or be the only patient in a multi-occupancy room.
  • The visitor to PUI, confirmed COVID-19, or other patient in isolation precautions, will be encouraged to use hand hygiene just after entering the room and upon exit and should don appropriate PPE

 

ADULT PATIENTS

Emergency Care Patients

  • One visitor is allowed with the patient.

Hospital Inpatients

  • Two visitors are allowed during the hospitalization with only one visitor allowed per day.

Outpatient Clinic and Testing Patients

  • One visitor is allowed with the patient.

Surgery and Procedure Patients

  • One visitor is allowed with the patient.

 

PEDIATRIC PATIENTS (age 18 and under)

Hospital Inpatients

  • Two visitors are allowed per patient per hospital stay.

Surgery and Procedure Patients

  • Two visitors are allowed per patient.

Outpatient Clinic and Testing Patients

  • Two visitors are allowed with the patient.