Marshfield Clinic Health System Enforcing Stricter Visitor Restrictions
Tuesday, March 24th, 2020 -- 9:41 AM
-We continue to focus on efforts to protect patients, visitors and staff as concerns about the spread of COVID-19 continue. Effective March 24, we are prohibiting visitors from entering Marshfield Clinic Health System until further notice.This step is being undertaken to keep patients, their loved ones, and our staff safe by limiting the potential to spread COVID-19 within our facilities.
These temporary visitor restrictions apply to visitation for hospitals and for clinic appointments.
There are certain exceptions and situations where adult visitors may be allowed, including:
• Pediatric (including NICU) patients: 1 visitor
◦ You will be asked to designate one healthy adult who is able to provide support during a continuous 24-hour period.
• OB patients: 1 visitor/support person
• Patients where a caregiver is essential to their care (such as a patient with altered mental status, developmental delay or physical disability requiring assistance with medical care or activities of daily living)
• Patients who have power of attorney or court-appointed guardians
• Patients who have the potential for a sudden status change:
◦ Examples may include surgery or trauma.
◦ Visitors may be allowed on a case-by-case basis.
• Patients who are at end of life
◦ These patients and families will be supported on a case-by-case basis with the goal of creating an emotional support network, while keeping patients and visitors safe.
Note: Exceptions are made by hospital leaders with a goal of providing safe care for patients, while balancing emotional and other support needs.
Visitor restriction guidelines:
• All visitors should be free of illness or symptoms, and at least 18 years old.
• Visitors should anticipate being screened for symptoms of illness.
• Visitors should not remove any supplies or equipment from Marshfield Clinic Health System.
• Visitors should limit the personal items they bring into the facility. This will reduce the number of unwanted germs that will go home with the visitor.
• Visitors should plan to stay in the patient’s room for the duration of the visit. They should not be in communal spaces, like lobbies, the cafeteria or wandering in hallways.
• Visitors must wash hands or use hand sanitizer every time they enter or exit a patient room or exam room.
We understand and respect the importance of the relationships patients have with their loved ones. As such, we encourage you to stay connected virtually via Skype, FaceTime or phone.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.