In a sign the pandemic is finally starting to ease, William Beaumont Hospital is allowing patients to have supportive visits again.
The hospital says that effective at 8 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 15, visitation will be permitted for patients who do not have or are not suspected of having COVID-19.
The hospital says its easing of visitor restrictions supports Beaumont's "commitment to on-site family presence and care planning discussions."
"We recognize having loved ones visit benefits our patients and helps our staff deliver the patient and family centered care that is at the center of everything we do at Beaumont. However, COVID-19 continues to spread in our community. Therefore, we cannot lift all restrictions. We look forward to the day when we are able to welcome all family and friends without these COVID-19 modifications," Beaumont Health Chief Nursing Officer Susan Grant said.
The change comes as inpatient COVID-19 numbers have declined at Beaumont. If the number of cases climbs at Beaumont or in the community, the health system will adjust its COVID-19 visitation guidelines as appropriate.
Michigan reported 1,265 more coronavirus cases over Sunday-Monday. The state has a 3.68% average test positivity rate. The state's moving 7-day average of cases was 867 on Monday, its lowest point since October. COVID hospitalizations also are trending lower in the state with 1.69% of active cases hospitalized as of Friday, Feb. 12.
A summary of the updated guidelines:
For patients who do not have or are not suspected of having COVID-19, ONE support person may visit between 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Patients who are at end-of-life, or are being evaluated for hospice care, TWO support people may visit. Laboring women may have BOTH a support person and a doula present. Children (21 years old and under) may have TWO parents/legal guardians present 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; ONE may stay overnight. (Note: families of babies in the NICU must talk with the staff about NICU visitation.)
NO ONE is permitted to visit patients with pending or positive COVID-19 tests, except for:
End-of-life. (Up to TWO support people are permitted at the bedside.)Women in labor, pre-term labor, or requiring a C-section (ONE birth partner may be present.)Children under age 21. (ONE parent/legal guardian at the bedside.)Other extreme conditions. (When the benefits of presence outweigh the risk of COVID-19 exposure, exceptions must be approved by clinical leadership.)Staff are encouraged to continue providing daily updates regarding patients' health to key family members. Staff will also continue to offer opportunities to connect patients with their families virtually.
To read the complete text of Beaumont's newly updated visitation guidelines, please visit: https://www.beaumont.org/docs/default-source/patients-families/visitation-information-english.pdf
