Jefferson Healthcare announces new restrictions on visitors

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Jefferson Healthcare has adopted strict restrictions to the hospital's visitation policy to limit visitors coming o campus buildings. 

The new restrictions are temporary, officials said, and went into place Thursday, Aug. 5.

Changes to the visitation policy were needed due to the high prevalence of COVID-19 in the community, Jefferson Healthcare said in a news release Thursday, adding: "We must ensure the safety of our facilities and our ability to care for as many patients as possible. Safety is our top priority during this time ... While we recognize the restrictions, the policy puts in place are inconvenient, we hope they will be accepted and complied within the spirit for which they are intended: to keep everyone safe and well." 

Officials said the updated visitation policy applies to all Jefferson Healthcare locations, departments, and clinics. The visitor rules apply to anyone accompanying a loved one or friend to an appointment (except under special circumstances), as well as vendors.

Special circumstances include:

• Patients who require a support person to assist in complex medical decision-making and support for serious illness, end of life, or obstetrical care;

• Minor patients accompanied by a caregiver; and

• Patients with altered mental status, developmental delay, or display disruptive behavior (where caregiver provides safety/ is key to safe care delivery).

Jefferson Healthcare also said patients with disabilities are allowed one visitor who is knowledgeable about the needs of the person with a disability to serve as a designated support person.

The visitation policy covers children visitors, as well. 

Children under 12 are not permitted to visit except for limited visitation in end-of-life circumstances.   

Adult patients seeking emergent care for themselves or another child may have minor children present until childcare arrangement can be made.

Exceptions to the policy can also be made for women in labor and for end-of-life care.

For women seeking perinatal care, one visitor is permitted.