Appling Healthcare Updated Hospital Visitor Guidelines

10/12/2021

Appling Healthcare hospital visitor guidelines have been updated to the following measures.

Please be advised that COVID-19-infected or COVID-19-suspected patients will NOT be allowed any visitors except under exceptional circumstances and under the direction/order of the primary care physician.

All visitors are required to check in at the hospital front desk and follow these safety measures:

Masks MUST be worn at all times within the building. Masks must fit appropriately and cover your nose and mouth.
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.

Adult Inpatient Unit Visits:

TWO (2) healthy adult visitors (age 18+) will be permitted to visit.
Visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Visits may be limited due to the patient’s condition and at the discretion of the charge nurse or nurse manager.
Visits to our Senior Care Unit is scheduled through the unit Social Worker.

Emergency Department Visits:

One adult visitor may accompany a patient in the Emergency Department. However, NO visitors will be allowed to accompany a COVID-19-suspected or COVID-19 infected patient.
Visitors will not be allowed to wait in the ED waiting room while the patient is undergoing evaluation. They may wait in their vehicle or outside the building.
One healthy parent or caregiver with a pediatric patient. (Pediatric is under the age of 18).
One healthy required medical decision-maker with adult patients.

Compassionate Care Exceptions:

Some compassionate-care exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, with approval by the Unit Nurse Manager or the Primary Care Physician. Exceptions will be granted for extenuating circumstances, such as end-of-life care.

Outpatient/Clinic Surgical Procedures:

Visitors are not allowed in clinics, with exceptions for the following:
- 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.

ICU Visits:

Visiting in the ICU is restricted, except for exceptional circumstances or under the direction of the nurse or physician.