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UnityPoint relaxes visitor restrictions

Allows at least one person to be with patient unless the illness is COVID-19

-Messenger file photo
UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center changed some of its visitor policies at its clinics and hospital Monday, after loosening them in June.

UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center began to ease some visitor restrictions in its clinics and hospital Monday.

“As healthcare providers, we have seen up close how difficult it has been for our patients, as well as their families, to be separated from each other in an already difficult situation,” said President and CEO Leah Glasgo. “We feel we have crossed the threshold of the COVID-19 spread that we can slowly start to resume allowing for one person to be at a patient’s side.”

Visitors will now be allowed with the following considerations:

• Clinic appointments: one visitor for adults and two visitors for pediatrics appointments.

• Adult inpatient (including critical care unit and OB-GYN): one visitor at a time.

• Pediatrics: Two parents or guardians at a time.

• Emergency room: One visitor or support person, who must stay in the room. Visitors cannot be switched.

• Surgical and procedural patients: One visitor for outpatient surgeries, who must remain in the patient’s room during surgery.

• End of life (expected within 24 hours): Two visitors or support persons allowed at any time, but are encouraged to stay in the room.

• Paula J. Baber Hospice Home: Two visitors allowed within a 24-hour period.

• Clergy: Clergy are allowed for patients requesting visitation for spiritual support.

• Interpreters: In-person interpreters are permissible if deemed important for patient communication.

No visitors will be allowed for COVID-19 positive patients or patients suspected of COVID-19, with exceptions for end-of-life visits, those helping patients decide on hospice or palliative care measures, pediatric patients and patients with cognitive impairments.

All visitors must be free of illness (such as fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea or vomiting) and not have had any contact with someone who may have had COVID-19 within the last 14 days.

All visitors will be required to sign in, be screened, wear visitor identification and wear a mask, unless unable to for medical reasons. Masks are provided for those without one. Visitors must be at least 18 years old, except in end-of-life cases.

Waiting rooms and public spaces are marked for social distancing and have been arranged to allow for spacing of at least six feet. Visitors are asked to frequently wash and sanitize hands.

UnityPoint began restricting visitors March 18 as the pandemic descended on Iowa, with very narrow exceptions.

“We look forward to families being part of our care team again, and believe this change will positively impact our patients while keeping safety a priority for all,” Glasgo said.

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