University Hospital released new information on to their COVID-19 patient numbers and new visitation guidelines. University currently has 64 patients with COVID-19-related hospitalizations, and has cared for 2,223 COVID-19 patients since March 1, 2020. These concurrent patient numbers are down from well over 100 patients on average throughout December and January.
In addition to the drop-off in patients, the hospital released new guidelines in regards to visitation. “We have long understood and sympathized that not being able to accompany a loved one in the hospital is disconcerting, however, we believe our temporary limitations on visitation were the right thing to do to help protect patients and staff,” said Rebecca Sylvester, Director of Strategic Marketing & Promotions at University.
The new visitation hours for a general inpatient are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and each patient is allowed a maximum of two visitors per day, and only people over 18 can visit. Masks must be worn– correctly– at all times.
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In the W.G. Watson Women’s Center labor delivery side, one support person is allowed who must remain with the patient until discharge. Two visitors allowed per day per patient. In the NICU, oen parent at a time is allowed from noon to 6 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. daily.
For outpatient procedures, two visitors are allowed per day per outpatient, throughout the length of the patient’s visit.
In the emergency department, two visitors per patient are allowed throughout the length of the patient’s visit. If outpatient or emergency department patients are admitted to the hospital, then inpatient visitation rules apply.
For end of life, two visitors allowed on a case-by-case basis per the patient’s physician.
Tyler Strong is the Business Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at tyler@theaugustapress.com.
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