New Visitor Guidelines as of August 11, 2021

Hospital news | Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Beginning Wednesday, August 11, 2021, new visitor guidelines will go into effect at the hospital in our efforts to maintain compliance with guidance from regulatory bodies (i.e. IDPH, OSHA, etc.). This is due to the fact that, unfortunately, COVID-19 transmission in Whiteside County is now substantial. (Data is available at: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view.) Be sure to take a look at the most up-to-date guidelines before your next visit.

One visitor/support person allowed per patient in hospital.
All visitors must be age 18 or older.
Visitors must continuously mask during visit.
No eating or drinking in the patient room which would result in unmasking.

Reminder: Masks ARE STILL REQUIRED for ALL staff, patients and visitors in the hospital and all of our clinics, even after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Please continue to bring and wear masks to your appointments. Patients and visitors who refuse to mask without a known reason (i.e. medical condition) will not be allowed entrance or continued visitation to the organization.

Inpatient Units (Non-COVID) patients - OB, Medical, Surgical, CCU, Pediatrics

To reduce the risk of exposure, ONE designated support person is allowed per patient stay.
VISITING HOURS ARE FROM 8 A.M. TO 8 P.M. (After 5:30 P.M., enter through ED entrance).
PATIENT MUST WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIMES, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS.
Upon admission, nursing staff will ask patient for name of designated support person.
Staff will call down to front desk to provide name.
As the designated support person, you will present to the front entrance for screening. Support person must be 18 years of age or older and wear a mask at all times, regardless of vaccination status.
If screen is passed, you will proceed to the front desk and give name of patient and your name as the designated support person.
- If you are not the person on the list, the front desk will call the unit to validate and clarify before asking you to leave.
You will be provided the colored sticker for the day to wear during the visit and will proceed to the unit.
Any food or drink must be consumed outside the hospital/clinic to ensure compliance with use of face coverings.
You will not be allowed to stay overnight unless special circumstances exist (OB, comfort care or disability)
Special exceptions:
* End of life
* Pediatrics - both parents/guardians may remain with patient during normal visiting hours

Emergency Department

Patient screening and triage is the priority for clinical greeter.
Patient is dropped off at the ED entrance for temperature check and screening. PATIENT MUST WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIMES, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS. Support person will remain in vehicle.
Once triage is complete, the patient is settled, and COVID-19 risk is ruled out, the patient may receive ONE designated support person.
As the designated support person, you will present to the front ED desk for screening. Support person must be 18 years of age or older and wear a mask at all times, regardless of vaccination status.
- You will need to wait if patients are being screened ahead of you.
If screen is passed, you will be provided the colored sticker for the day to wear during the visit and will proceed to the patient room. You must remain in patient room.
Any food or drink must be consumed outside the hospital/clinic to ensure compliance with use of face coverings.
Use of the ED waiting room is limited to ability to social distance.
If patient is admitted, you can travel with patient up to unit unless special circumstances are occurring.
- If admission is outside of normal visiting hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.), you may come back to visit when visitation hours are available.

Inpatient Surgery, Same Day Procedures (Operating Room, Digestive Health, Invasive Radiology & Cath Lab)

ONE support person may accompany patient. Support person must be 18 years of age or older and wear a mask at all times, regardless of vaccination status.
Patient to be dropped off at the front entrance for screening. PATIENT MUST WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIMES, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS.
Patient will then proceed to the front desk to share name and designated support person.
Patient will then proceed to Admitting (if not already pre-admitted) and then to the unit to get settled in.
After the procedure is complete, the designated support person will be contacted by the department when you can come to the unit.
You will present to the front entrance for screening.
You will be provided the colored sticker for the day to wear during the visit and will proceed to the unit.
You will remain in the patient room during the patient's stay or in the designated area while the patient recovers. This will allow you to participate in discharge education.
Any food or drink must be consumed outside the hospital/clinic to ensure compliance with use of face coverings.

Hospital Based Outpatient Testing: Includes Radiology, Cardio Lab & Pulmonary Testing

PATIENT MUST WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIMES, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS.
ONE support person may accompany patient.
Support person must be 18 years of age or older and wear a mask at all times, regardless of vaccination status.
Staff will guide you to designated waiting area.
Any food or drink must be consumed outside the hospital/clinic to ensure compliance with use of face coverings.

Inpatient Units (COVID positive) patients - Medical, Surgical, CCU, Pediatrics

NO VISITORS except for the following:

Minor children: one parent/guardian may remain with patient
Birthing Center: one support person
Developmentally disabled: one support person
End of life or other special circumstances:
Subject to the Department Manager approval.
Support person must be age 18 or older, and be either immediate family members, powers of attorney, guardians or patient representatives.
Due to community spread and risk to the individual(s), only two support persons are allowed. We cannot allow rotation of multiple family members at this time.
Designated support person(s) must agree to the following:
* Allow nursing staff to dress visitor in proper protective equipment including the following: regular mask, gloves, shield, and gown.
* Must stay in the patient room at all times during visit.
* Prohibited from food or drink during visit.
* Press call light for assistance prior to leaving the room.
* Nurse will assist with taking off protective equipment.
* Follow instructions from the department charge nurse on where to meet staff and enter the facility as well as exit the facility.

We appreciate your patience and understanding. CGH remains a safe place for patients. Along with noting these Visitor Policy changes, please do not neglect your other health needs!

Remember that we are all in this together! Continue to protect yourself and others by washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask and maintaining social distance.

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