Deaconess Changes Visitation Guidelines

The tri- state - covid-19 cases making a resurgence in the last few weeks--- as a result-- several facilities are revising their operations---to help slow the spread... among them--- deaconess hospital--- which is changing visitation guidelines..

44news reporter megan diventi joins us live in evansville-- with what you can expect -- as a patient or family-member.

Megan--- i understand these changes start today?

Jessica---that's correct...it all goes into effect today... the new visiting hours are now from 8 in the morning---thru 6 in the afternoon--- daily.... officials say the decision to make the shift comes after a high volume of covid-19 patients.... we're told the new hours will be implemented at deaconess midtown--- gateway--- henderson---and gibson hospitals... it cuts visiting time down - by 2 hours.

Adult in- patients will be limited to one visitor a day - while pediatric patients may have two people stop in.... patients in isolation - will not be able to see visitors.... however - there will be exceptions for end-of-life care - and other special circumstances... officials say the new changes are a way of helping to keep track of who is in and out of the facilities during this pandemic... "with the increase in the community with prevalence, we want to continue to be able to serve our community and be able to take care of our patients.

We want to be able to have this be a safe place for our patients and visitors and our staff.

We want to be able to keep our staff healthy as well as be able to keep taking care of patients when they need us," outpatients for most office visits or testing will not be permitted a visitor--unless the patient is a minor-- or needs assistance... deaconess cross pointe--- deaconess union county--- and the womens hospital are also limiting visitors with similar guidelines.... deaconess officials tell me they plan to keep these new guidelines-- until further notice.

Reporting live in evansville, md, 44news.

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