LEE COUNTY, Fla — Lee Health is implementing temporary hospital visitation restrictions due to the current surge of COVID 19 patients in their facilities.
The healthcare system announced it in a press release on Monday.
Lee Health says it will limit adult hospital visitation hours to 12:00 pm to 6:00 p.m. until they see a reduction in the COVID-19 cases in our community.
A few visitation guidelines will remain in place.
OVERALL:
- All visitors to Lee Health facilities must practice social distancing and will be required to complete a screening process, including temperature check, and sanitize their hands with alcohol-based gel before visitation.
- All visitors are required to provide their own mask and wear it at all times. Visitors who violate this policy may be asked to leave the facility.
Ventilated masks are not allowed as they let expelled breath into the air.
- To reduce the risk of spreading a contagious disease, COVID-19 patients or patients requiring airborne precautions are restricted to compassionate care visitation only.
- Individuals who are ill, have a fever, or have been exposed to COVID-19 should refrain from visiting.
Each patient is allowed to designate up to two (2) visitors noted upon admission. However, only one may visit the patient at a time.
- In addition to department specific exceptions noted below, additional exceptions may include inpatient hospice, in support of patients with disabilities, or for compassionate care at the discretion of the hospital attending or hospital leadership.
- Visitation is limited to the patient’s room. Visitors may go to the coffee shop while masked at all times. Food and beverage must be immediately taken back to the patient’s room for consumption. Visitors are not allowed in the cafeteria.
No visitors under the age of 12.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT:
- One visitor will be allowed to be with the patient once the initial evaluation is complete (Nursing assessment, IV, lab, EKG, X-ray)
- Exceptions may be made based on the acuity of the patient at the discretion of the physician/nursing staff.
ICU:
- One visitor is allowed to participate in ICU rounding (8 a.m. – noon)
- Exceptions may be allowed for compassionate care visitation at the discretion of the Intensivist/nursing staff.
OBSTETRIC SERVICES (HealthPark Medical Center and Cape Coral Hospital) Lee Health - Family Birth Suites:
- Visitation is limited to the same two (2) support persons throughout the hospital stay
- OB Triage at Cape Coral and OB Emergency Department at HealthPark is limited to one visitor
- Two support persons are allowed in Labor and Delivery, Mother/Baby, and the Antepartum units:
- One support person may spend the night with maternity patients after delivery or on the Antepartum unit.
GOLISANO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA:
- Each patient will be allowed two (2) designated visitors noted upon admission (over 12 years of age) can be with the patient, in their room, at all times. This also includes the Sedation, Outpatient Pediatric Oncology, and the Pediatric Perianesthesia areas.
- Exceptions apply to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES:
- Contact Skilled Nursing for visitation policies at that facility
PHYSICIAN PRACTICES/OUTPATIENT LOCATIONS:
- One visitor is allowed to accompany patients throughout their appointment
- Some exceptions may apply in certain locations such as the Regional Cancer Center
AMBULATORY PROCEDURE/AMBULATORY SURGERY:
- One visitor to accompany adult patients for any appointment registration process
- Visitors accompanying patients for outpatient surgery must wait outside after the registration process is complete.
- Visitor will be permitted to reunite with the patient when ready for discharge. Discharge instructions can be shared with patient and visitor.
- Pediatrics: One parent may stay with their child plus one guest above 12 years of age
