General QuestionsVisitation RestrictionsWhere Should I Go for Healthcare Services?Diagnostic ImagingHaving a BabyInsurance AssistanceLabMedical RecordsRehabilitation MedicineSurgeryVisitation RestrictionsPlease see the following information below:This page has been updated 02/29/2024VISITATION PROGRAM FOR ALL HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS AND OUTPATIENTSPOLICY STATEMENT:Nathan Littauer has established visiting hours to support the patient’s need for contact with family and friends, rest, relaxation, privacy and comfort needs. The hospital will ensure that all visitors enjoy full and equal visitation privileges consistent with the patient’s preferences. For safety reasons, children (17 or younger) must be accompanied by an adult at all times.The hospital may impose clinically necessary restrictions or limitations on visitation. At times, we offer restricted visitation in accordance with NYSDOH hospital visitation guidelines. Staff, patients and visitors are encouraged to check NLH’s website for details and updates. Any other concerns related to visitation will be evaluated on case-by-case basis involving the nursing supervisor and administrator on-call.2. SCOPE:This policy applies to Nathan Littauer Hospital. This policy excludes the Nursing Home. Please see our Visitation Guidelines for the Nathan Littauer Nursing Home (nlh.org) For further questions, please contact nursing home for guidance.3. PURPOSE:To offer visitation guidelines and regulations within our facilities, while adhering to the CDC and NYSDOH’s guidelines to determine source control requirements based on community level and community transmission for the county.4. DEFINITIONS: Social Distancing means avoiding large gatherings and maintaining distance (at least 6 feet) from others when possible (e.g., breakrooms, waiting areas, workspaces, and cafeterias). Procedure Mask (aka surgical mask) is a 2-ply mask covering nose and mouth.5. EQUIPMENT/SOFTWARE LIST:Thermometer, screening machines upon entry for patient and visitor tracking6. PROCESS: High Level ProcessN/A7. PROCEDURE/PROTOCOL DETAILS:7.1 There are three (3) visitors allowed for inpatient visits on medical-surgical unit. (see below for other specific units). The nursing supervisor and nurse manager shall have the authority to modify the regulations to accommodate the needs of the individual patients. Recommendations from Security staff will be considered. Licensed Independent Practitioners (LIPs) may modify the visitation regulations by recording orders to that effect. The patient/patient representative is informed/included in that decision.The patient/patient representative may authorize those family members and other adults who will be given priority to visit consistently with the patient’s ability to receive visitors. (See Patients’ Bill of Rights – #20.) Patients may receive calls and visitors including spouse, domestic partner, family member and friends. The Hospital does not restrict, limit, or otherwise deny visitation privileges on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. The patient/patient representative may withdraw or deny consent to visitors at any time.For patients whose family or representatives are unable to visit, staff will make every effort to reach family member or representative via phone to provide updates. In addition, staff will work with the patient to allow electronic visitation through the use of mobile device video chat/ Face Time/ Zoom/ iPad or any other means acceptable to patient and hospital.Visitors complaining of illness or suffering injury while on hospital premises shall be referred to the Emergency Department. The employee witnessing the injury shall notify the Security Department and the Nursing Supervisor immediately. This is documented on the appropriate form(s) by the Nursing Supervisor and the Security Officer on duty.Visitors will observe the following:Refrain from visiting if visitors are suffering from any flu-like symptom or fever in the last 24 hours.Refrain from visiting patients from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (except in special circumstances).Noncompliant visitors will be asked to modify their behavior. If they persist, the charge nurse will contact Security and the Nursing Supervisor immediately. If the unruliness continues, the Security Officer will notify the Police Department and request that the unruly party be removed from the hospital premises.7.2 IN-PATIENT VISITATION GUIDELINES:7.2.1 All visitors will be required to enter through the main hospital entrance, the entrance by MRI/Cardiopulmonary/Physical Therapy, Emergency Care Center, where they will receive a visitor badge.7.2.2 Visitors for patients who are on any infection control precautions will be required to wear personal protective equipment, e.g., a face mask, eye shield, gown and gloves and will be assisted with proper donning and doffing procedure and hand hygiene by unit staff.7.2.3 Visitors who fail to agree to this guidance will be asked to leave the hospital.Visitor guidance will be reviewed with the patient and visitor on arrival to the unit.7.2.4 Birthing Center: Visiting hours in the Birthing Center following delivery will be from noon until 8:00 p.m. No visitor under the age of 18, unless they are a sibling of the newborn.7.2.4.1 Labor and Delivery: Two designated support people, which may include a doula, are allowed to be with the patient throughout labor and delivery. They cannot switch-out.Antepartum and Postpartum: One designated support person may remain with the patient throughout their hospital stay. Only two (2) visitors at a time, not including the designated support person for siblings. Siblings of the newborn may visit during posted visiting hours but may only stay for one hour per day.7.2.4.2 Antepartum Testing: For patients having antepartum testing, one support person may accompany the patient.7.2.5 Special Care Unit: Visiting hours in the Special Care Unit (SCU) are: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visitation is subject to the patient’s condition and is typically limited to 15 minutes and immediate family. Limit of 2 visitors at a time. No children under 10 years of age will be allowed in the unit. For concerns, contact the Nursing Supervisor.7.2.6 Emergency Care Center: Visitation will be limited to one (1) visitor at a time over the age of 17. For parents of minors, both parents will be allowed as visitors.7.2.6.1 If patient is on advanced precautions (i.e., Enhanced Precautions for respiratory illness), only one (1) visitor will be allowed. That visitor must remain in the room at all times and comply with personal protective equipment.7.2.6.2 Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis based on the patient’s condition and discussion with the healthcare team. Contact nursing supervisor.7.3 VISITATION EXCEPTIONS:7.3.1 Visitor Restriction During Community Outbreaks: Visitation exceptions will be extended to family and care partners of patients in a manner that maintains compliance with any local and federally issued isolation precautions and maintains the safety of patients, visitors and staff. In order to reduce the spread of illness/infection/disease, the facility, at times, may implement more stringent visitor restriction in accordance with community transmission guidelines as identified by regulatory agencies which may include:7.3.2 Limiting the number of visitors per patient.7.3.3 Excluding visitors who are under the age of 17, if deemed appropriate.7.3.4 Visitors will be subject to screening for illness or symptoms prior to allowing them to visit a patient.7.3.5 Persons who are ill will not be allowed to visit.7.3.6 Visitors should follow isolation precautions as directed by the facility.7.3.7 In extenuating circumstances (such as end-of-life care) exceptions to visitor restriction may be made on a case-by-case basis.7.3.8 Signage will be posted informing visitors of facility policy regarding visitor restrictions.7.4 OUTPATIENT TESTING, PROCEDURES & EMERGENCY TREATMENT (DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING, RADIOLOGY, PHYSICAL THERAPY, RESPIRATORY, OPERATING ROOM):7.4.1 If the patient needs assistance to their destination, the visitor may assist them to that point.7.4.2 If the waiting room has reached capacity, staff will assist visitor in finding an alternate waiting area. This may include asking the visitor to leave the facility and wait in automobile.7.4.3 Surgical Patient in Operation Room. All patients will be allowed 1 person to come with them the day of surgery. Only exception will be children who are having surgery, and the requirement is to have two (2) people to ride home (one person to drive and one person to monitor the child during the car ride home). Other special circumstances will be taken on a case-by-case basis.7.4.3.1 Once the patient is admitted into a pre-op room, the visitor will be allowed to sit with the patient while waiting to go into the OR. When the patient goes to the OR the visitor will return to the surgical lobby waiting room or leave the building and come back (visitor can leave a phone number with the nursing staff for call back).7.4.3.2 After surgery, the 1 person will be allowed into Recovery Room ONLY when the patient is ready to be discharged. Discharge instructions can continue to be completed over the phone and curbside pickup for patients if they want that option.8. GUIDANCE FOR PRIMARY CARE VISITS: Please contact your primary care office for clarification.9. GUIDANCE FOR NURSING HOME See Visitation Guidelines | Nathan Littauer Hospital (nlh.org) For further questions, please contact nursing home for guidance.10. REFERENCES/SUPPORTING DATA/RELATED POLICIES:CDC Guidelines, Nathan Littauer Patients’ Bill of Rights, New York State Department of Health website.
