Nash UNC Health Care Revises Visitation Policy
Due to sustained improvements in the COVID community spread metrics and the hospital’s inpatient COVID census, Nash UNC Health Care has revised its visitation policy to improve the patient experience, while maintaining a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff.
Beginning Tuesday, March 1st, the following visitation policies will take effect:
- Non-COVID inpatients and outpatients are permitted to have two visitors at the same time. This allows visitors to switch out as needed, as long as only two visitors are in a patient’s room at the same time. Children will continue to be allowed, and will count in the two visitor maximum.
- Women’s Center patients are also permitted to have two visitors at the same time, plus an additional support person (ex: doula) during the birthing process to accommodate various patient birthing plans.
- Emergency Department patients are permitted to have one visitor throughout the patient’s visit, including in the lobby. Pediatric patients will continue to be permitted two visitors.
- COVID Positive patients will still be allowed one designated visitor daily during scheduled times by the unit. Visitors will be required to don full personal protective equipment (PPE) for the duration of the visit and must doff the PPE appropriately after the visit. Nash UNC staff members will assist with PPE education. Children 12 and under are not permitted to visit patients who are on isolation precautions due to potential inappropriate fit or use of PPE.
Visitation exceptions will continue to be made for extenuating circumstances, such as extended stay, end of life / comfort care, or other needs as determined by the clinical care team.
At this time, Nash UNC will continue to require all visitors and staff to wear a mask inside the hospital, in accordance with CDC guidelines for healthcare facilities. A mask will be provided to visitors who do not have one when entering the facility.
“Our COVID Task Force is closely monitoring developments in guidance changes from CDC, as well as local community spread metrics, and will continue to evaluate operational changes when appropriate,” said L. Lee Isley, president and CEO of Nash UNC Health Care. “Our top priority is ensuring a safe environment for our patients, staff and community.”
