SCRMC revises patient visitation policy

(The following is a press release from South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.)

We are pleased to expand patient visitation at South Central Regional Medical Center. We hope these guidelines will help provide you all of the information you need while visiting our facility.

Age Restrictions for Hospital Visitation

Individuals under the age of 18 are not allowed to visit patients at South Central Regional Medical Center at this time. Special consideration will be made for end-of-life circumstances.

Other Requirements

All individuals entering the hospital will be required to wear a mask and check in at the screening station located directly inside the main front entrance of the medical center. Temperature checks will be taken prior to the visitor entering the facility.

In light of Governor Reeves’ mask mandate being lifted, it is important for our patients and visitors to know that neither the CDC or MSDH have amended the requirements for healthcare settings. All COVID-19 protocols are still in effect for all SCRMC facilities. Masks are still required to be worn and our staff will continue safety practices.

First West, Second West, Obstetrics/Gynecology Unit, Pediatric Unit

All patients on First West, Second West and the Obstetrics/Gynecology/Pediatric Unit who do not require isolation are allowed to have guests throughout visitation hours. Only ONE guest will be allowed in a patient room at a time. Visitation hours will remain from 6 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., 7 days a week.

Patients who are in the Labor and Delivery Unit will be allowed to have two (2) support persons, however only one (1) person at a time will be allowed in the patient room. The other support person will have the opportunity to wait in a nearby waiting room.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Visitation hours for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are 6 a.m., 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., 7 days a week. Visitation per time period will be limited to 20 minutes. Two (2) visitors will be allowed per patient visitation period in the ICU, however, only one (1) person at a time will be allowed to visit the patient. This will allow a maximum of eight (8) ICU patient visitors a day. Visitors will be allowed to visit at the bedside of patients who are not on isolation. Family members of patients who are on isolation will view the patient through the glass exterior of the room and will be provided a complete update regarding the patient at the time of their visit. There will be no overnight visitors in the ICU waiting room.

Isolated Patient Area

The Isolated Patient Area is designated as the hospital’s isolation unit. No patient visitation will be allowed in the Isolated Patient Area except for end-of-life circumstances. Patients who require full time assistance or care will be allowed to have one (1) care taker in the room with the patient. This determination will be made by the admitting physician or nurse.

Patients Having Procedures & Diagnostic Tests

Patients having surgical procedures and diagnostic tests are allowed one (1) person to join them when entering the hospital. The individual joining them must remain in the surgery/diagnostic waiting room throughout the patient stay. Cafeteria services will not be available to outpatient visitors.

Cafeteria/Food Services Only Provided For Inpatient Visitors

The South Central Cafeteria will be open only for those visiting patients who are hospitalized at South Central. Patient visitors may also call the hospital room service line from the patient room and order a meal by providing payment by debit card or credit card at the time of purchase. They may also pay cash for the meal when the food tray is delivered. The meal will be delivered directly to the patient room. This service is not provided to those who visit patients in the hospital ICU.

The cafeteria hours for inpatient visitors will be Monday through Friday during the following times: 6:30 until 10 a.m.; 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.; and 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Weekend hours will be 6:30 until 10 a.m.; and 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Packages Dropped Off at the Front Entrance

Family members and friends cannot drop off patient belongings/items/packages at the screening station in the front lobby of the hospital for delivery to patient rooms. Visitors will provide patient belongings/items/packages for patients during their hospital stay. Special consideration will be made for patients on isolation who cannot have visitors.

NEW EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITATION POLICY

South Central’s Emergency Department Visitation Policy continues to be limited. The department has multiple processes in place to keep patients, visitors, and staff safe.

All individuals entering the South Central Emergency Department are required to wear a mask. They must be evaluated at the screening station which is located directly inside the front door of the Emergency Department where their temperature will be taken and they will be asked if they have any Covid-19 related symptoms.

All patients who are treated in the facility will continue to be allowed to have one (1) person with them during their Emergency Department stay. No visitors under the age of 18 are allowed in the Emergency Department. Special consideration will be made for special needs patients, critical patients, or end-of-life circumstances if they are not Covid positive.

To remain up to date on the visitation policy at South Central Regional Medical Center, visit scrmc.com and select COVID-19 Update.