OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — A no visitor policy will be implemented at all CHI Health and Methodist Health System hospitals and clinics starting Wednesday.
A press release said the move comes as a response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the area.
CHI Health transitioned to one visitor limitations on March 27, with Methodist following suit on March 28, while also implementing enhanced visitor screenings.
While helpful, managing visitors remained challenging, according to the press release.
“There’s nothing more important to us than the health and safety of our patients, staff and providers. Although we recognize the value and healing nature of relationships for our patients and their loved ones, we have become increasingly concerned about the risk of exposure to COVID-19,” said Kathy Bressler, chief operating officer of CHI Health. “We reached out to Methodist to discuss further changes and both health systems agreed that more is needed. We will do everything in our power to provide care with dignity and respect.”
Both CHI Health and Methodist understand that staying connected with loved ones who are receiving care is important. They urge visitors to remain closely connected to their loved ones through virtual means like Skype, FaceTime or phone calls.
“After much discussion and collaboration with our health care partners at CHI Health, we have come to this difficult decision,” said Steve Goeser, president and CEO of Methodist Health System. “We clearly understand what an important role families and loved ones can play in the healing of our patients. But in these extreme times, extreme measures need to be taken. By restricting visitors to our campuses, it really does help ensure the safety of our patients, our staff and, more importantly, our community.”
See some exceptions to the no visitor policy for both CHI Health and Methodist Health System below.
· Labor/delivery patient (limited to one labor partner)
· NICU and postpartum infant (limited to two parents/guardians)
· Pediatric/minor patient (limited to one parent/guardian)
· Dependent adult needing special assistance from a support person (as determined by the care team)
· Patient receiving end-of-life care (number to be determined by the care team)