Memorial Hospital Eases Some Visitation Restrictions, Keep Guidelines in Place For Some Patients

BY: DAVID SHEPHERD, NEWS DIRECTOR

JASPER -- More visitors will now be allowed to visit Memorial Hospital in Jasper, as local COVID-19 numbers continue to drop.

Patients hospitalized or in the Emergency Department will now be able to receive two adult visitors, 18 and older, per patient room.

Patients in Women and Infant Services may have one support person and one additional visitor. These must be the same two individuals for the duration of the patient’s stay.

Additional visitation will be allowed for end-of-life situations.

Visiting hours are 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Visitation restrictions will remain in place for patients in isolation, the Skilled Caring Center, Inpatient Rehab Center, Caring Hands Senior Services and Memorial’s outpatient clinics.

Visitors will still register and be screened for COVID-19 symptoms or exposure.  Guests will also need to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth, and check in at the nurses’ station.

See the entire release from Memorial Hospital below.....

Jasper, Ind. – As COVID-19 numbers continue to decline in the region, Memorial Hospital and Health Care has increased its visitation to the following. This takes effect immediately.

Hospitalized and Emergency Department patients will be able to receive two adult (age 18 or older) visitors per patient room (exceptions are noted below). These visitors must continue to register and screen for COVID-19 symptoms or exposure, wear masks that cover their mouth and nose, and check in at the nurses’ station. Visitors must stay in the patient’s room, and any additional visitors must remain outside the hospital. Cleaning of hands frequently while in the hospital is encouraged.

Previous visitor restrictions will remain in effect for patients in isolation, Skilled Caring Center, Inpatient Rehab Center, Caring Hands Senior Services, and Memorial Hospital’s outpatient clinics. Please inquire about restrictions within these departments. Patients in Women and Infant Services (OB) may have one support person and one additional visitor. These must be the same two individuals for the duration of the patient’s stay. Additional visitation will be allowed for end-of-life situations. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The decision to increase visitation for inpatients was made due to the encouraging reduction of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in the region. Hospitals have returned to normal operations, and with continued masking, social distancing, and the hospitals’ specialized infection prevention efforts, inpatients can safely receive additional comfort and care from loved ones.

Regional schools will soon have spring break, and the Easter holiday is approaching.  If these events lead to increases in COVID-19 prevalence and hospitalizations, visitation policies may change again.

For more information regarding COVID-19 and visitor restrictions, please visit Memorial Hospital’s website at www.mhhhcc.org.