Southcoast Health implements new visitor policy due to increased spread of virus

Due to the increased spread of COVID-19 in the region and the beginning of cold and flu season, Southcoast Health will temporarily implement a revised visitor policy beginning on December 6, 2021.

As of 12/06/21, employees and providers must adhere to the following:

Visitation Policy

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT:
Visitors allowed at discretion of the care team. Exceptions will be made for guardians, essential companions and other circumstances.

HOSPITAL VISITING HOURS: 11am – 2pm and 5pm – 8pm

INPATIENT VISITOR POLICY:
• ONE visitor allowed at a time*
• Maximum of three visitors per patient each day*

All visitors must be able to do one of the following:
• Show proof of COVID-19 vaccine or
• Provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test, provided by a laboratory taken no more than 24 hours prior to visit

If visitor is between the ages of 5-17, two visitors are allowed to ensure that the minor is accompanied by an adult (proof of vaccine or negative COVID-19 laboratory test required for both visitors)

MATERNITY VISITING HOURS: 11am – 2pm and 5pm – 8pm

MATERNITY VISITOR POLICY*
• Birth partners are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated. If not vaccinated, they must be tested for COVID-19 when they arrive on the unit
• No visitors under 5, including siblings, are allowed to visit post-partum patients
• No visitors under the age of 12 are allowed on pediatric unit (vaccinated or unvaccinated)

*EXCEPTIONS:
• End of Life and/or patient on Comfort Measures Only
• Parents of infant and pediatric patients
• Designated support person for patients with disabilities
• Allowed by clinical teams for unique circumstances

Visitor must remain with patient; NO visitor re-entry after exit; maximum of three different visitors per day**

**At the discretion of the clinical team

Surgical Patients and Same Day Surgery Center
ONE visitor will be allowed to visit and/or accompany a patient

Physician Offices, Imaging, Radiology, Laboratory Patient Service Center
ONE visitor will be allowed to visit and/or accompany a patient

NO visitors experiencing cough, shortness of breath, temperature over 100 degrees or other symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will be allowed