05/25/2022
Following is our most recent policy on visits to our facilities:
POLICY STATEMENT:
Appling Healthcare’s patients reserve the right to have family and visitors during their hospital stay. Patients and visitors must comply with hospital policies as stated below.
PURPOSE:
To promote adequate opportunity for patient and family interaction, providing emotional support and comfort to both, and to minimize significant interruptions in patient care activities during the day.
SCOPE:
This policy applies to the Emergency Department, Medical-Surgical unit, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Senior Care Unit (SCU), Outpatient and Rural Health Clinics.
- All visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms at designated entrances; if visitors exhibit symptoms, they will be denied entry.
- Visitors are not permitted to congregate in public areas, such as lobbies, waiting areas, nurse stations, or visit other patients or staff.
- Visitors must remain in the room of the patient while they are visiting until visiting hours are over or when the visitor(s) are ready to leave the facility.
- Masks must be worn at all times within the building. Masks must fit appropriately and cover your nose and mouth.
Emergency Department
- One adult visitor may accompany a patient in the Emergency Department.
- One healthy parent or caregiver with a pediatric patient.
- One healthy required medical decision-maker with adult patients who are unable to make decisions regarding care.
- No visitor under the age of 18 shall be permitted
- These are subject to change at the discretion of the ED Charge Nurse or physician during emergent situations or unforeseen changes in patient’s condition.
Medical-Surgical Unit
- Visiting hours are from 10:00am until 8:00pm, daily
- Two healthy adult visitors (age 18+) will be permitted to visit.
- Visits may be limited due to the patient’s condition and at the discretion of the charge nurse or nurse manager.
Intensive Care Unit
- Visiting hours are from 10:00am until 8:00pm, daily.
- 1 visitor per patient every 2 hours, for no longer than 20 minutes, on the even hour only.
- No visitor under the age of 18 shall be permitted
- These are subject to change at the discretion of the Nurse Manager, ICU nurse, or physician depending on unforeseen patient care situations that may arise.
Senior Care Unit
- Visits to our Senior Care Unit are scheduled through the unit Social Worker.
Rural Health Clinic/Outpatient Procedures
- One healthy parent or caregiver with a pediatric patient.
- One healthy required medical decision-maker with adult patients.
- One healthy caregiver for patients who are unable to walk or move about without assistance.
Compassionate Care Exceptions
- Some compassionate-care exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, with approval by the Unit Manager or Primary Care Physician.
- Exceptions may be granted for extenuating circumstances, such as end-of-life care. However, the number of visitors shall be limited.
In all areas, visitation may be limited or restricted during times of Influenza or other contagious outbreaks.
