Atrium Health Visitor Restrictions
Effective date: Monday, June 15, 2020
- Atrium Health Hospitals, Emergency Departments and Urgent Care
- Atrium Health Medical Practices and Doctor’s Offices
We know how important it can be to have someone by your side when you seek medical care. As we navigate each new phase of the coronavirus (or COVID-19) pandemic, Atrium Health is continually reevaluating our visitor policies. And we’re setting the national standard for COVID-Safe care, with enhanced safety measures across all locations.
Before your next visit, please review our latest visitor policies, restrictions and exceptions. If you have any questions or concerns, your care team is here to help.
Atrium Health Hospitals, Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Offices
One (1) designated visitor will be allowed per patient each day, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Switching visitors during the same day will not be allowed
- A different visitor may come the next day
- The visitor must:
- Wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth at all times (except while eating in select areas)
- Have a health screening with temperature check when they enter the building
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be in good health (free from respiratory illness, fever, cough, etc.)
- Stay in the patient room visiting the patient, they cannot roam the hospital
- Follow all social distancing and safety guidance. This includes wearing masks, staying six feet from others and hand washing
- If a visitor does not follow the guidance above it can cause serious safety concerns. They will be escorted out of the building in order to keep our patients and staff safe
Exceptions:
- There are extended visitor hours for:
- Emergency Departments and Urgent Care centers, allowing 1 visitor any time of day
- Maternity patients are allowed 1 visitor any time of day
- Surgery patients who have an early morning procedure can have 1 visitor with them even if they arrive before 8:00 a.m.
- Pediatric patients (children under 18) are allowed 2 parents/guardians any time of day
- Patients with the following conditions may be allowed more than 1 visitor. This is decided by the treating physician and facility leaders:
- If a patient is at the end of life
- If a patient has communication barriers
- If a caregiver needs to help with decision making
- Patients will not be allowed visitors:
- In any Atrium Health skilled nursing facility
- In any Atrium Health Behavioral Health acute care unit or facility
- In any Atrium Health Rehabilitation facility
- If they have COVID-19 or might have COVID-19 (being tested) at any location
- In an infusion center or other oncology related location
- Special circumstances will be managed by the treating physician and the facility leaders
Atrium Health Medical Practices/Doctor’s Offices
One (1) visitor may come with a patient to
their office visit if they need clinical or emotional support. Patients are not allowed to switch visitors
during the visit.
- The visitor must:
- Wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth at all times
- Have health screening with temperature check when they enter the building
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be in good health (free from respiratory illness, fever, cough, etc.)
- Have a cell phone or mobile device so they can be notified when the patient is ready to be seen; in some instances, in may be possible to stay with patient (including, if there is space)
- Follow all social distancing and safety guidance. This includes wearing masks and hand washing.
- You can only have one (1) visitor for each visit. You cannot switch visitors during the course of the visit.
Exceptions:
- No visitors are allowed if:
- The patient has COVID-19 or may have COVID-19 (being tested) at any location
- The patient is in an infusion center or other oncology related location
- Social distancing is not possible
- Special circumstances will be managed by the treating physician and practice management