SRHC changes visitor guidelines for COVID-19 in force on Monday

Photo courtesy of Salina Regional Health Center
Photo courtesy of Salina Regional Health Center

Salina Regional Health Center is changing its COVID-19 visitor restrictions due to the persistently low number of COVID-19 infections in the community.

As of Monday, inpatients can have two designated visitors per day instead of one designated visitor for each day of the patient’s hospital stay. Occupational and maternity patients may also have two support persons for a newborn delivery. Children may allow two parents / guardians per day. In situations where a patient needs an overnight visitor, only one visitor may stay overnight.

Patients at the emergencies will accompany only one visitor for their care. Outpatients will also only be allowed to accompany one assistant / visitor for tests and procedures.

“We are cautiously optimistic that these trends will continue,” said Bethanie McDowell, director of infection prevention at the Salina Regional Health Center. However, as there is an increase in COVID-19 activities across the country, we need to continue to monitor local infection rates and adjust our visitation rules according to the guidelines set out by the CDC and KDHE for healthcare providers, based on community activities for COVID- 19. ”

All other COVID-19 guidelines will remain:

• Everyone entering the facility will be screened for COVID-19 infection risk.

• Visitors receive a visitor identification bracelet that is replaced daily.

• Visitors must be 18 years or older.

• Everyone who visits will be asked to wear a mask during the visit, including in corridors, public spaces and the patient’s room.

• Visitors should stay in the patient’s room as much as possible.

• Patients who are COVID-19 positive, or who are being tested for COVID-19, may not visit visitors.

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