(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Citing the rise in COVID-19 cases and the need to protect patients and staff, Edward Elmhurst Health is restricting routine visitors.
It came as a surprise to Naperville resident Morgan Clifton.
Her 10-year-old son was diagnosed with COVID-19 and woke up Tuesday morning with a fever of 104.8 degrees.
She and her ex-husband brought their son to Elmhurst Hospital at the advice of their doctor.
“When we walked into the hospital, they immediately told us that only one of us could go back,” Clifton said. “My son was terrified, and I'm worried because any mother that's had an experience like that, you obviously are worried about your child.”
Clifton said she went into the emergency room with her son but had to relay all the information from the doctor to her former spouse, who was sitting in the parking lot.
While she understands the reasoning for restricting visitors, Clifton tells WBBM Newsradio it puts a strain on families.
“As a parent, you're not wanting to sit out in the car, worrying about what's happening to your child inside the hospital. If it's small children, I think that both parents should be allowed to be in there with the child at the same time.”
The visitor restrictions apply to Edward Elmhurst Health’s hospitals, physician offices and immediate care.
The health system also closed cafes, gift shops and other common waiting areas to patients and visitors.
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