Atrium Health Visitor Restrictions
Effective date: Monday, December 21, 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.
- Atrium Health Rehabilitation facility visitations times are daily from 4 p.m. – 6 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
- 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
Due to COVID-19, no friends or family members can come with you to
doctor’s appointments. There are a few exceptions:
- 1 visitor will be allowed if the patient needs help with:
- Understanding medical information because of cognitive problems (such as memory problems, dementia, brain injury) or developmental disability (condition that affects development of a person’s mind or body)
- Moving around the office because of physical limitations
- Emotional support because of the kind of visit
- 2 parents or guardians are allowed to come to visits if patients are under 18
- For special situations, the doctor will work with the office manager to find the best solution for the patient.
- All visitors must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be in good health (free from respiratory illness, fever, cough, etc.)
- Complete a health screening with temperature check when they enter the building
- Wear a mask that completely covers the mouth and nose at all times
- Be available by cell phone once patient is ready to be seen or stay with patient (if there is space in the building) upon space availability
- Follow all safety rules (such as social distancing)
- We are making these changes to keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. There may be other changes based on COVID-19 cases in our area.