Current Visitor Policy & Restrictions

Visitor Restrictions – Updated January 16, 2021

Given the current exposure and spread of COVID-19 in our community, the following visitor restrictions are in place to protect the health and safety of our patients, healthcare providers and community.

INPATIENT CARE

INPATIENT CARE – Medical, Surgical, Intensive Care & Inpatient Rehabilitation (Non-COVID-19)

One individual at a time will be permitted to visit hospitalized patients from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. The limitation will be that the patient have only one visitor in their room at one time. A visitor is encouraged to be present during the attending physician’s rounds. Our attending physicians generally round from 8 a.m. - noon.

Mother & Baby / Pediatrics

For mother & baby and pediatric patients, one designated partner or primary caretaker / guardian is permitted to visit at a time.

End-of-Life

For hospice and end-of-life situations, two visitors will be permitted at any one given time, for a duration of two hours at a time.

COVID-19

Patients confirmed with having COVID-19 will not be permitted to have visitors. An exception can be made for end-of-life care. In this situation, one person may visit for one hour each day. The visitor must complete a waiver before being permitted to visit.

As visitation is restricted, the care team will update the patient’s designated spokesperson twice each day at the bedside. One of these updates will be offered through a visual communication platform, such as FaceTime or Skype.

OUTPATIENT SERVICES

Outpatient Testing and Therapy

Visitors will not be permitted to accompany adult patients to their appointment, unless special assistance is required. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by one adult caregiver.

Surgical, Cardiac Catheterization & Interventional Radiology Procedures

Patients undergoing anesthesia for a surgery, cardiac catheterization or interventional radiology procedure may have one visitor at a time accompany them for pre and post-procedural instructions. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two adult caregivers. Visitors will be asked to wait in the patient’s room or return to their vehicle depending on the current capacity of the department.

Hemodialysis, Oncology and Infusion Visitor Restrictions

Individuals receiving hemodialysis, oncology or infusion services are not permitted to have visitors, unless a visitor is essential for the patient’s emotional well-being and care. The visitor must be 17 years of age or older.

Lima Memorial Physicians and Outpatient Locations

Visitors will not be permitted to accompany adult patients to their appointment, unless special assistance is required. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by one adult caregiver.

Emergency Center Visitor Restrictions

One visitor at a time will be permitted to accompany a patient receiving care in the Emergency Center. The visitor must be 17 years of age or older.

Clergy Visitation

Upon request of the patient, visitation from church clergy members will be permitted. If a patient is not fully awake, alert or oriented, a family member, spouse or closest next of kin may request a visit. Clergy will be required to follow all other visitor restrictions and policies, including universal masking and temperature checks. Clergy members are not free to indiscriminately visit other patients or go from room to room. If local clergy members have received requests to visit more than one patient from their congregation / parish, they will be required to have the name and approval from the patient for a visit. In this instance, the Administrator on Site or appropriate staff member will determine if any (NON-COVID-19) infection control cross contamination risks exist prior to approval of those type of visits. If you have any questions, please contact Pastoral Care Services at 419-998-4596.

Important Information Regarding Visitor Restrictions:

• One individual is permitted to visit at a time, except as noted in the exceptions. To ensure a safe environment, visitors must go directly to the patient’s room, wear a face covering at all times and maintain a physical distance of six feet from others.
• The Administrator on Site (AOS) is the only person who can provide exceptions and clearance for visitors.
• All visitors must obtain a visitor badge before entering and undergo a health screening. Visitors who are sick will not be permitted to enter the hospital.
• Visitors must be 17 years of age or older.
• Family and friends will be permitted to drop off essential items for care and communication, and a LMHS associate will deliver these items to the patient’s room. Items must be dropped off between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Please do not bring valuables.
• Family involvement in their loved one’s care is valued. Family-patient communication is encouraged through virtual means, including Skype, FaceTime and / or phone.