UPDATE: Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital adopt new visitation restrictions in response to local COVID-19 outbreak

Temporary changes for Waldo County General Hospital have been added at the bottom of this article.

ROCKPORT and BELFAST – In response to COVID-19 status in the community, the Pen Bay Medical Center (PBMC) and Waldo County General Hospital (WCGH) are implementing increased restrictions for visitors.

This is done to help prevent the spread of the virus. Infectious disease experts agree that measures to contain the virus are most effective early in its spread.

Although the majority of people infected with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and make a full recovery, COVID-19 poses a serious threat to vulnerable populations, especially older people with underlying health conditions. Since these populations are often cared for in PBMC / WCGH facilities, it is important to take all necessary measures to protect them.

“This necessary decision will allow us to minimize the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak in our facilities, protecting staff and patients as we work to provide a safe place for our community to get the health care they need. “said Mark Fourre, MD, president of PBMC and WCGH, in a press release.

“We know it is difficult for patients, their families and friends who often play such an important role in the healing process,” said Fourre. “However, restricting visitors at this time helps keep our patients safe so they can return to family and friends without complications from COVID-19. Thank you all for your understanding and for continuing to do your part during the pandemic by wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart, and washing your hands frequently. “

The new visitor policy will take effect on August 20, 2021 and will apply to Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital until further notice. Visitors / escorts are not permitted at MaineHealth facilities except in the following circumstances:

Hospitalization zones:

ï‚· Pediatrics: Two parents / guardians allowed in all areas, provided there is sufficient space to respect social distancing.
ï‚· Obstetrics: A spouse / coach / Visitor. Doulas are also permitted when the obstetrician is aware of their requested presence and they have been part of the prenatal process.

ï‚· All other areas of hospitalization, including intensive care: One visitor per day from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day. Exceptions can be made at the time of admission to the unit or for discussions of the care plan.
ï‚· Patients under palliative care / comfort measures: Two visitors at any time per day, during designated visiting hours. Exceptions can be managed by the healthcare team.
ï‚· End of life in any hospitalization area: Up to four family members can visit patients who are likely to expire within 24 hours (all areas) – visiting hours should be managed by the healthcare team.

ï‚· PARC PBMC unit: Visitors prohibited.
ï‚· Patients isolated for COVID-19 infection or being assessed for COVID-19 infection: No visitors except End of Life.
ï‚· Visitors will not be allowed in units with an active COVID-19 outbreak.

Patient discharges: Patients will be brought to an appropriate entrance for collection.

Outpatient surgery and procedural areas: Adult patients should arrange drop-off and pick-up unless they require special assistance. Exceptions can be made in advance for patients who do not live on site. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents / guardians, provided there is sufficient space to respect social distancing.

Emergency department: A person authorized to accompany the patient, provided there is sufficient space to respect social distancing. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents / guardians, provided there is sufficient space to respect social distancing. Exceptions can be made for discussions of the care plan as agreed with the care team or for end of life.

Ambulatory / diagnostic areas: Adult patients may be accompanied by one person, provided there is sufficient space to respect social distancing. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents / guardians, provided there is sufficient space to respect social distancing.

Patients requiring special assistance: Patients in any healthcare setting who require assistance, such as with mobility or communicating with the healthcare team about their medical history or care, may be assisted by an adult escort to provide care. assistance or support needed, this need to be determined by the care team.

All visitors / companions are screened for COVID-19. Visitors / escorts showing symptoms of COVID-19 will NOT be permitted to enter the PBMC and WCGH facilities. Visitors / attendants should 1) wash their hands before entering and leaving the patient’s room / care area; 2) wear a mask at all times in the establishment; and 3) not to go anywhere in the establishment other than the room of the patient he is visiting. Hospital cafeterias are closed to visitors.

These restrictions are intended to protect patients, employees, visitors and the public, and comply with guidelines from government authorities, and are enacted to reduce the potential for the spread of the COVID-19 virus. These restrictions are imposed by order of the chief medical officer and the head nurse.

TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THE SAFE CARE ENVIRONMENT, WALDO COUNTY GENERAL HOSPITAL TEMPORARILY UPDATED ITS VISITORS POLICY effective August 21, 2021.

THE VISIT IS NOW LIMITED TO:

Hospitalization areas of the hospital:

• Obstetrics: A spouse / trainer / visitor authorized in the labor and delivery area. Doulas are also permitted when the obstetrician is aware of their requested presence and they have been part of the prenatal process.

• All other areas of hospitalization, including:

Critical care: No visitors for the moment.
Med / Surge Unit: No visitors for the moment.
Pediatrics: Visitor requests assessed by the supervising nurse on a case-by-case basis.
Patients under palliative care / comfort measures: Visitor requests assessed by the supervising nurse on a case-by-case basis.
End of life in any hospitalization area: Visitor requests assessed by the supervising nurse on a case-by-case basis.

ï‚· Patients isolated for COVID-19 infection or being assessed for COVID-19 infection: no visitors except at end of life.

Patient discharges: Patients will be brought to an appropriate entrance for collection.

Outpatient surgery and procedural areas: Adult patients should arrange drop-off and pick-up unless they require special assistance. Exceptions can be made in advance for patients who do not live on site. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents / guardians, provided there is sufficient space to respect social distancing.

Emergency department: A person authorized to accompany the patient, provided there is sufficient space to respect social distancing. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents / guardians, provided there is sufficient space to respect social distancing. Exceptions can be made for discussions of the care plan as agreed with the care team or for end of life.

Ambulatory / diagnostic areas: Adult patients may be accompanied by one person, provided there is sufficient space to respect social distancing. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents / guardians, provided there is sufficient space to respect social distancing.

Patients requiring special assistance: Patients in any healthcare setting who require assistance, such as with mobility or communicating with the healthcare team about their medical history or care, may be assisted by an adult escort to provide care. assistance or support needed, this need to be determined by the care team.

All visitors / companions are screened for COVID-19. Visitors / escorts showing symptoms of COVID-19 will NOT be permitted to enter the PBMC and WCGH facilities. Visitors / attendants should 1) wash their hands before entering and leaving the patient’s room / care area; 2) wear a mask at all times in the establishment; and 3) not to go anywhere in the establishment other than the room of the patient he is visiting. Hospital cafeterias are closed to visitors.

These restrictions are intended to protect patients, employees, visitors and the public, and comply with guidelines from government authorities, and are enacted to reduce the potential for the spread of the COVID-19 virus. These restrictions are imposed by order of the chief physicians and the head nurse.