Munson Healthcare will allow one vaccinated visitor per patient per day at its Munson Healthcare hospitals and clinics effective Friday, April 16. The effectiveness of vaccines is allowing the expanded policy, despite the current COVID-19 surge.
Munson Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Christine Nefcy, M.D., FAAP, said the health system is pleased to be able to offer the change to patients and families.
“We know that our patients want to be with their loved ones during their time of need,” she said. “This is also something consistent with what other health systems across the state are doing.”
Vaccinated visitors must be 14 days post their final vaccine dose to be considered. They must present a photo ID and proof of their vaccination either through a vaccination card, photo of their vaccination card, or a copy of a MCIR document from the health department or primary care provider.
All visitors continue to be screened and masking is required for everyone within a Munson Healthcare facility regardless of vaccination status.
Additional approved visitation exceptions regardless of vaccination status include:
- Obstetric patients can only have one support person for the first ultrasound of a new pregnancy.
- Pediatric patients can only have one adult primary caregiver at a time (such as a parent, foster parent or guardian).
- Patients can have one support person:
- If the support person is essential to the care of the patient/medically necessary. This includes surgical and procedural patients.
- If the patient has intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, cognitive impairments including dementia, or behavioral concerns.
- If the patient needs communication support or assistance due to the specifics of their disability.
- All end-of-life patients can have up to four visitors per day, two at a time.
- Visitors of patients with COVID-19 at end-of-life must wear PPE as instructed for duration of visit. Staff will need to help with safely applying and removing PPE.
- Visitors of patients with COVID-19 at end-of-life must leave the room immediately if breathing becomes difficult, they feel dizzy, or face, eyes, nose, or mouth become irritated.
- Some departments, patient populations, clinics and practices require additional precautions so please call ahead.
- Only essential vendors are allowed access to MHC facilities.
Dr. Nefcy said the health system continues to closely track positivity rates in the community, hospitalization rates throughout Munson Healthcare, and all COVID-19 variants as part of its efforts to ensure that the visitation policy puts everyone’s safety first.
“We also continue to urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” she said.
To review the health systems full visitation policy, go to munsonhealthcare.org.