Patients and Visitors

For Visitors and Caregivers at CHS facilities

Given the concerns around the coronavirus spread (COVID-19), and for the safety and protection of our patients and our staff, CHS has SUSPENDED ALL VISITATION (exceptions include end-of-life, newborn delivery and pediatrics) at all CHS hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNF). Exceptions for visitation will be made on a case-by-case-basis by hospital and SNF leadership in conjunction with Infection Prevention leadership and will follow appropriate CDC guidelines for screening for COVID-19 infection BEFORE entry is allowed.

For Labor and Delivery

One support person essential to patient care throughout labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period is permitted. This person can be the patient’s spouse, partner, sibling, doula, or another person they choose. In these settings, this person will be the only support person allowed to be present during the patient’s care. This individual would be provided the appropriate PPE and remain for the duration.

For Pediatric Patients

One support person at a time as essential to patient care in the emergency room or during hospitalization is permitted. For hospitalized pediatric patients, especially with prolonged hospitalizations, the patient or family/caregiver may designate two support people; but only one support person may be present at a time. Individuals age 70 years or older, are not encouraged to be support persons at this time due to increased risk of COVID-19 infection.

Patients for whom a support person has been determined to be essential to the care of the patient (medically necessary), including patients with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and patients with cognitive impairments such as dementia.

Labor and delivery and pediatric patient support persons must be asymptomatic for COVID-19 and must not be a suspect or recently confirmed case. Additionally, hospital staff must screen the support person for symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, or shortness of breath), conduct a temperature check prior to entering the clinical area, and every 12 hours thereafter, and screen for potential exposures to individuals testing positive for COVID-19. The support person must stay in the room.

Our highest priority is the health and safety of our patients, employees, and everyone who visits our facilities. We are taking every precaution recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are reviewing and updating our protocols and guidelines constantly. We need and appreciate your support in meeting these challenges.