Nothing is more important to us than you. At all AdventHealth facilities, your health care team always has your health and safety in mind when you’re in the hospital.
We know it’s hard to be away from home, especially when you don’t feel well and need hospital care. Having a friend or family member stop by for a visit can boost your physical and emotional health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and it’s our goal to help you feel whole in body, mind and spirit as you recover.
Visitor Policies Vary at Each Hospital
Right now, you might wonder whether it’s safe for you, a friend or family member, or even for other hospital patients to have visitors. Each hospital in the AdventHealth network of care has different visitor policies right now to keep everyone safe. Many of our hospitals have updated their visitor policies to allow one guest per day. If you’re not sure whether your hospital or a loved one’s allows visitors at this time, we encourage you to reach out to your care team or their care team for more details.
Why Visitors Matter
The past few months have taught us the true value of our social ties. Although your care team will do everything they can to make your stay comfortable, we know you still need the support of your friends and family, too.
We’ve taken many steps to keep you safe in the hospital, including checking the temperatures of all patients and staff and separating patients who are sick from those who don’t have symptoms. These measures make it possible to allow visitors in many of our hospitals, safely.
What to Know Before Visiting the Hospital
Some hospital protocols may have changed since the last time visitors stopped by. It might be helpful to let your friend or family member know about these new policies.
Ask your visitor whether they have any symptoms, which include cough, fever or trouble breathing, says the CDC. Also ask whether they’ve been exposed to someone who’s sick. If the answer to either of these questions is yes, your visitor should stay home.
When Visitors Arrive
The number of entrances to the building might be more limited than before. When visitors arrive to one of these doors, they will be provided with face masks if they don’t already have face coverings.
They’ll also undergo a temperature check, because many people who have COVID-19 have a fever. All patients, employees and health care providers are checked before they enter any of our hospitals or other facilities.
During Their Visit
While we want to make everyone feel as welcome as possible, we’re asking visitors to limit their movements. For example, visitors may be asked to go straight to your room, or to avoid certain common areas.
We also ask visitors to wash their hands frequently or use hand sanitizer and to limit the surfaces they touch. They’re the same steps we ask of our staff and health care providers. By working together in this way, we can keep everyone safe.
Virtual Visits for Loved Ones Staying Home
We know you likely have many people who want to visit you. Some of your friends and family members in high-risk groups may be staying home. Fortunately, there are many ways to stay connected during your hospital stay. Our staff can help you use Skype, FaceTime and the phone to communicate with your loved ones and have a virtual visit while everyone stays safe.
Nothing Is More Important to Us Than You
During your hospital stay or that of a family member, know that we’ve taken extra steps to keep you and all visitors safe. To learn more about we’re dedicated to your safety, visit AdventHealth.com today.
