Visitor Restrictions - Updated 10/16/20

We know visitors are very important to a patient's recovery. We want patients, caregivers, and staff to be safe while COVID-19 is still in our community. Because of this, the visitor restrictions below remain in place at our hospital and clinics.

Additionally, anyone entering our facilities will be required to wear a mask per our universal masking policy. 

Visitor Restrictions - updated 10/16/20

Effective Monday, October 19th, the following additional visitor restriction will be in place:

• Patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are NOT permitted to have visitors.

• Visitation is not permitted to limit the risk of exposure to others, except in exceptional and unusual situations. 

• Alternative communication tools are encouraged for visits with family and friends (tablets, phones, etc)

• If a patient’s status changes from Suspected COVID to COVID Negative, then normal visitation policies will be in effect.

• This restriction does not apply to Pediatrics and OB patients.

We understand how difficult it can be to not be able to be with your loved one at a time like this. Our top priority is the safety for all patients and staff, and because the risk of spreading the coronavirus is so high, we are putting these additional protection measures in place to help stop the spread of the infection.

If the patient is COVID Negative and admitted for a hospital stay:

• One (1) visitor must be a caregiver or significant other and must be the same person for the duration of the hospital stay.  

• Visitor entry hours are 6 am to 9pm Monday – Friday and 7am to 9pm Saturday – Sunday.

• Visitors may not enter the hospital between 9pm and 6am Monday – Friday and pm to 7am on Saturday – Sunday.

• Visitor may stay overnight in a patient’s room.

• Exceptions may occur for entry in the OB/NICU and pediatric departments as well as end-of-life situations.  

• Waiting areas are closed.  

• The hospital cafeteria and vending areas are closed to visitors. Meal trays can be ordered through room service and delivered to the patient room; payment must be made via debit or credit card. Visitors may go to the coffee shop location near the main entrance, but please return directly to the patient's room after you make your purchase.

• Visitor must stay in the patient room.

• Masks are required to be worn including in patient rooms and hallways.

Patients will be allowed one (1) visitor only per patient stay with the following exceptions:

• Pediatric patients may have one (1) parent or guardian with them, who can alternate during the stay.

• NICU patients may have one parent plus one significant other, for a total of two (2), who can alternate during the stay.

• For end-of-life situations, Chaplains or caregiver staff will discuss these exceptions with the family.

• Behavioral Health follows existing visitor policy, with visitor hours from 4pm to 6pm. Monday – Friday and on Saturday – Sunday from 9am to 6pm.

• Emergency Department will continue to allow visitors by exception only.

• (1) visitor is allowed to accompany a patient during Outpatient services, but must stay in the designated are for the service being provided. 

• Masks are required to be worn including in patient rooms and hallways.

All visitors must be in good health and will be screened prior to entrance into the hospital for fever and other symptoms related to COVID-19.  

• Children under 16 years old are not allowed to visit or accompany an adult visitor. Adults who arrive to the hospital with children will be asked to make arrangements for the child to be picked up or will not be allowed to visit.

Reminder, anyone entering the hospital will be required to wear a mask, per the universal UnityPoint Health masking policy.

Please be kind to our team members if they remind you of our policy. We want to keep everyone safe.