Ascension Borgess visitor guidelines adjust to rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations – WNWN-FM

Acension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI (courtesy of Acension Michigan)

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) With the continuing rise of COVID-19 cases across the state and hospitalizations due to the virus, Ascension Borgess has adjusted their visitation policies.

Up until now, most of the hospitals have primarily been operating at a Tier III visitation level recently which allowed one designated visitor per patient for the duration of the visit. But the current COVID-19 situation has dictated the hospital move to a Tier IV no visitor policy stating that no visitors are allowed at any care sites unless it is absolutely necessary to aid in patient care.

This includes Ascension Borgess Hospital, Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital, and Ascension Borgess-Pip Hospital. However, there are a few exceptions.

One individual is allowed in the Emergency Department, Medical, Surgical, Inpatient Rehabilitation or Intensive Care units who has been appointed to make medical decisions for patients who have been deemed a legally incapacitated individual (guardian) or a support individual for patients for whom a support person has been determined to be essential to the care and safety of the patient.

One support visitor is allowed in Labor and Delivery in addition to a midwife/doula.

One visitor is allowed for outpatient surgery patients the care team will determine where the visitor is allowed to wait.

One visitor is allowed for outpatient radiology and lab if necessary for patient assistance.

One parent/guardian is allowed for pediatric patients in the Emergency Department or any Pediatric Unit (including PICU, NICU, and SCN).

One parent/guardian is allowed for pediatric surgery patients (21 years and younger).

One parent/guardian is allowed for pediatric patients at ambulatory care sites.

Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis relative to the patients individual needs by the management in the patient care area. These restrictions do not apply to end-of-life visitations.

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Ascension Borgess visitor guidelines adjust to rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations - WNWN-FM