Changes to Our Visitor Policy

Effective Monday, August 22, 2022

We understand that visits from family members and friends are an important part of the healing process.  We have put the following restrictions in place to allow us to continue to provide excellent care while maintaining the safety of our patients, staff, and community. While outpatients and visitors are required to wear a mask at all times in the Hospital, we also kindly ask that admitted patients wear a mask when a Hospital employee enters their room to provide care.

Visitor hours are 1 pm – 8 pm. Visitation is limited to one adult visitor at a time, however visitors may switch off during a visitation session. This will be strictly enforced.

• Individuals with fever (measured ≥100°F or subjective), cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, congestion or runny nose, chills, body aches, headache, fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or new loss of taste or smell in the last 7 days may not enter the hospital for visitation.
• Individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 10 days may not enter the hospital for visitation.
• Individuals who have had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 10 days are strongly discouraged from visitation as they are advised by the CDC and MDPH to mask, take precautions, watch for symptoms, and avoid travel or being around vulnerable persons at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 for 10 days from exposure. 
• Minor children accompanying an adult may visit but must be able to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth at all times and must also be screened.  They will not be permitted to visit if unable to comply with masking policy. 
• Visitors are not allowed for any patients who are positive for or under investigation for COVID-19, with limited exceptions for patients receiving end-of-life care.
• Outside food and drinks are not allowed into the facility. At this time, we are not allowing visitors to eat or drink during visits or to utilize the Cafeteria except for take-out. Doing so requires unmasking which increases the risk of transmission of infectious diseases.  Please plan to eat and drink before your visit. 
• Visitors must remain in the patient’s room for the entirety of their visit.  At this time all non-ED visitor waiting rooms are closed.

VISITATION BY HOSPITAL AREA – ALL VISITORS MUST BE SCREENED UPON ENTERING THE HOSPITAL

• Inpatient- Visitation is limited to one adult visitor at a time (1 pm – 8 pm).
• Emergency Department- Visitation is limited to one essential adult support person. For extended stay behavioral health patients, visitation is limited to one adult visitor at a time (1 pm – 8 pm).
• Surgical Day Center - Patients may have one adult support person for transportation and pre-operative assistance only. Waiting areas remain closed at this time.  
• Outpatient/Ambulatory Services- Visitation is limited to one adult support person for patients.
• Weber/LDRP- Limited to a pre-approved doula and the birthing partner for duration of mother’s stay. In addition, one adult visitor at a time is allowed during visiting hours (4 pm – 8 pm). 

AS A HEALTHY VISITOR, WE REQUIRE ALL INDIVIDUALS TO:

• Check into a screening station upon arrival.
• Wear a hospital-grade mask completely covering both your nose and mouth at all times while in the hospital.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub before and after your visit and each time you enter and exit a patient’s room. 
• Maintain social distancing of a minimum of 6 feet from others while in the hospital. 
• Report to the nurses’ station upon arrival, before entering the patient’s room.
• Remain in patient’s room during entire visit.
• Exit the hospital directly upon leaving the patient’s room.

Any visitor in violation of these rules will be asked to leave. Please know that any exception to this policy must be approved by appropriate leadership. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the COVID-19 pandemic, and adjust this visitor’s policy to act in the best interest of our patients and staff in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  We recognize that this is a stressful time for you and your family and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.