ARTICLE
[HYANNIS, MA March 3, 2022] Cape Cod Healthcare has implemented an updated patient visitation and accompaniment policy as part of its continued commitment to the safety of patients and staff due to Covid-19. Effective March 4, 2022, visitation of patients will continue to be strongly discouraged, but still permitted under current guidelines which include screening, masking and within specific timeframes. Exceptions: 1) Visitors: 2 per patient per day will be allowed. The visitor(s) will be screened for symptoms of respiratory illness per hospital policy and be required to wear a mask. 2) Labor and Delivery: 1 support person and 1 visitor will be allowed. The support person and visitor will be screened for symptoms of respiratory illness per hospital policy and be required to wear a mask. 3) Emergency Department: 1 visitor will be allowed. The visitor will be screened for symptoms of respiratory illness per hospital policy and be required to wear a mask. 4) END of LIFE: 2 visitors will be allowed at one time. The visitor(s) will be screened for symptoms of respiratory illness per hospital policy and be required to wear a mask. 5) COVID-19 positive patients: Visitation will only be considered at end-of-life situations and reviewed on a case-by-case basis in advance of visit. 6) Accompaniment: In those situations where it is of benefit to either the patient or the provider for the patient to have either a caregiver or family member accompany them to the facility, the visitor (one only) will be allowed. The visitor will be screened for symptoms of respiratory illness and fever per hospital policy and be required to wear a mask at all times. When the visitor is not able to physically be with the patient (during actual procedure time, etc.) the visitor may be asked to wait outside of the facility or in a specified waiting area depending on social distancing guidelines (providing a cell phone number) and will be contacted to return when the patient is ready. Examples of these situations include but are not limited to: • A minor accompanied by a parent or guardian • A person with cognitive impairment, memory impairment or dementia accompanied by a caregiver • A person with limited mobility accompanied by an attendant/caregiver • A person with anxiety or phobia regarding their visit/procedure • A person whom the provider deems necessary for the patients care and safety Current guidelines are as follows: • Visiting hours are 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily • Visitor(s) will self-screen for symptoms of respiratory illness and fever • Visitor(s) must wear a mask at all times • No visitors under the age of 18 • No visitors for COVID-19 positive patients, with exceptions for end of life per above For more information, please see the Cape Cod Healthcare COVID-19 Resource Center at www.capecodhealth.org/coronavirus. About Cape Cod Healthcare Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 500 physicians, 5,700 employees and 790 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare is comprised of two acute care hospitals, the Cape’s leading provider of homecare and hospice services (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility, five urgent care centers (with an additional center coming in 2022) and numerous health programs. For more information, visit the Cape Cod Healthcare website at www.capecodhealth.org. For the latest in relevant and credible healthcare news, visit www.capecodhealthnews.com.