COVID-19 Visitation Policy Update
Date Last Updated: May 17, 2022
As our ministry continues to respond to COVID-19, our highest priority remains the safety of our patients, families and team members. Prevention is the key to containment of viruses like COVID-19, which is why for your safety, St. Francis Medical Center will allow limited visitation for patients.
Patient Visitation Guidelines
- Each non-COVID positive patient will be allowed three visitors daily (including support person who may remain overnight, if desired) with only two visitors allowed in the room at one time.
- Visitors must be 12 years of age or older (exception: siblings of newborns or children of expecting moms with extended stays will be allowed to visit from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily with no age restrictions).
- Visitors will be allowed to "trade out" with other visitors.
- Visiting hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and 8 - 9 p.m. daily.
- Masks (see below)
- Visitors must present a valid ID for the check-in process and will receive a personalized name tag that must be worn for the duration of their visit.
- Outside clergy are allowed to visit with patients at any time and do not count toward the daily visitor limit.
We strongly recommend people who have chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung or heart disease or are older than 70 do not visit patients in our facilities for their own protection.
Masks
St. Francis Medical Center has adjusted the masking requirement to follow the Louisiana Department of Health guidelines:
- Visitors and patients who are vaccinated are not required to wear a mask while visiting our facilities.
- If the patient and visitors are vaccinated and from the same household, no mask is needed once they are in the patient's room or in general areas throughout our facilities. Masks are encouraged in waiting rooms and when interacting with a medical provider in the patient's room.
- If the patient and/or the visitor are unvaccinated, we ask that they wear a mask for the duration of the visit.
- Patients who are immunocompromised or seeking care for respiratory illness are encouraged to wear a mask throughout our facilities, regardless of vaccination status.
Masks are required for ALL team members regardless of vaccination status during any interaction with a patient. This includes but is not limited to:
- Registration and check-in areas
- Procedural areas
- Patient rooms
- Therapy sessions
- Long-term Care Facilities, which are required by the state to mask in all areas inside the facility unless eating or drinking.
Exceptions to the Visitor Policy:
- COVID-19 Positive Patients (both floor and ICU):
In-person visits will be limited to three visitors for 60 minutes a day each between the hours of 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Visitors must be 18 years of age or older.
- Intensive Care Unit (non-COVID):
Three visitors will be allowed per day between the hours of 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and 8 - 9 p.m. Visitors will be allowed to switch out, with only two visitors in the room at one time. Visitors must be 18 years of age or older.
- OB/Labor & Delivery:
Three visitors will be allowed per day between the hours of 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and 8 - 9 p.m. (including support person who is allowed to stay during a patient's stay). Visitors will be allowed to switch out, with only two visitors in the room at one time. Siblings of newborns or children of expecting moms with extended stays will be allowed to visit from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily and do not count in the two visitors at one time policy—no age restrictions.
- Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU):
Three visitors may visit between 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Visitors must be 18 years of age or older. No more than two visitors at one time.
- Pediatrics and PICU:
Three caregivers will be allowed to stay with the child throughout their stay, including in the ER. No more than two visitors at one time.
- Pre-Admit Surgery Clinic Appointments:
Patient may have one adult accompany them to their appointment ONLY if assistance is needed.
- Outpatient Clinic Appointments:
Patients may have one adult accompany them during their appointment ONLY if assistance is needed.
- Surgery and Procedures (day of surgery):
Patients undergoing surgery or procedures may have three visitors prior to and after return from surgery and then adhere to visiting hours listed above. No more than two visitors at one time.
- Emergency Department (COVID and non-COVID patients):
One support person (18 years or older) is allowed during a patient’s emergency department stay (support person is allowed to switch out) with the exception of pediatric patients as listed above.
- End of Life:
Patients admitted for end-of-life evaluation and treatment may have immediate family members visit and the number of visitors and times for visitation must be coordinated with the unit's Director and House Supervisor.
Connecting Virtually
We understand and recognize how important the support of family and loved ones are to our patients while we care for them. We encourage our patients to visit virtually with their loved ones through cell phones so they can still be connected and feel supported during their time with us. We have iPads in the hospital to help facilitate virtual communication between patients and their loved ones who may be unable to visit at this time.
Condition H (Help) - Call 1111
We believe in delivering the safest care possible. Open communication with the nurse and care team is the key to ensure we are aware of the patient's needs. A family member may notice a change in the patient's condition before the nurse, doctor or other provider does. The change may be subtle and noticeable only to someone who is close to that person. Calling a Condition H is like calling 911 when in the hospital. The team responding includes a nurse, respiratory therapist and, if needed, a doctor. Other providers who care for you during your stay, such as the care coordinator, social worker and chaplain, are also available. Your nurse can contact them for you.
When to Call a Condition H
If you notice a sudden medical change in the patient's condition including difficulty breathing, a sudden onset of confusion, or he/she is becoming less responsive. If you have serious concerns about how the patient's care is being planned or managed and you are not getting the response you need from your care team. For more information about Condition H, talk to your nurse. Thank you for being our partner in care.
