PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Two months after suspending all visitation with a few exceptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Allegheny Health Network is once again allowing patient visitors as support.
On Tuesday, the health care network announced that inpatient, observation, surgery and Emergency Department patients are now permitted to have one healthy person with them at a hospital, during visitation hours.
"While the ongoing limitations to our visitation policy reflect the best interests of our patients, visitors and staff, we understand how difficult they can be for patients and their loved ones," said Eugene Scioscia, MD, AHN's Chief Experience Officer. "For the time being, we also continue to encourage family members and friends to stay connected with patients remotely via their phones, tablets and computers. As circumstances related to COVID-19 evolve, we will continue to assess and adapt our policy as appropriate."
The patient's support visitor must remain the same person for the duration of their hospital stay, must be 18 or older and must not have a cough, fever or shortness of breath.
In a release, AHN outlined the additional visitation guidlines.
Visitation hours for a patient's supporter will not be limited in the following circumstances:
- Minor patients under the age of 18
- Patients who have an intellectual, developmental or cognitive disability, communication barrier, or behavioral concerns
- Patients receiving end of life care
- Labor and Delivery, including postpartum patients
Exceptions to the one support person rule are as follows:
- COVID-19 patients not at end of life will not be permitted support persons.
- Non-COVID-19 end-of-life patients will be permitted two support persons in assigned waiting room seats.
- One set of parents are permitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Units for the duration of stay; one parent may be present at the patient's bedside.
- Clergy visitation is permitted in addition to the patient's one dedicated support person.
Visitation was originally suspended by the hospital network on March 19 after having already been limited the week prior.
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