ARTICLE
Effective May 11, 2021, 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 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines are as follows: • Two visitors will be allowed per day, per patient • Visitor(s) will self-screen for symptoms of respiratory illness and fever per hospital policy • Visitor(s) must wear a mask at all times • Visiting hours are 11:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. daily • No visitors under the age of 18 • No visitors for COVID-19 patients, with the exception for labor and delivery noted below EXCEPTIONS to above: 1. End of Life: Two visitors will be allowed. The visitor(s) will self-screen for symptoms of respiratory illness and fever per hospital policy and be required to wear a mask. 2. Labor and Delivery: One support person (same person for duration of stay) will be allowed. The support person will self-screen for symptoms of respiratory illness and fever per hospital policy and be required to wear a mask. • In the case of a patient with a positive COVID-19 PCR test admitted to The Family Birthplace at Cape Cod Hospital, the patient will be allowed one partner. The support person will be provided PPE surgical mask, gown, face shield and gloves. 3. 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 self-screen for symptoms of respiratory illness and fever per hospital policy and be required to wear a mask. 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 guideline (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. A minor accompanied by a parent or guardian b. A person with cognitive impairment, memory impairment or dementia accompanied by a caregiver c. A person with limited mobility accompanied by an attendant/caregiver d. A person with anxiety or phobia regarding their visit/procedure e. A person whom the provider deems necessary for the patients care and safety 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 450 physicians, 5,700 employees and 790 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare has 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, four urgent care centers and numerous health programs. For more information, visit the Cape Cod Healthcare website at www.capecodhealth.org. Visit our health news site www.capecodhealthnews.com for the latest in relevant and credible healthcare news.