Visitor Restrictions, Screening Processes and Safety Precautions

As required by federal, state and county public health orders, and to preserve supplies of personal protective equipment and reduce transmission of infection, no visitors are allowed in the hospital at this time except as described below. Please be aware that all clinical services at Methodist Hospital remain open and available to provide needed care for all patients during this difficult time.

Restrictions on Visitation

• No visitation is allowed at any time for patients suspected to have or who are positive for COVID-19.
• Maternal Child Health
  • One (1) designated support person will be allowed for the entire hospital stay, and may not leave the patient’s room until discharge.
  • A doula is permitted in the Labor and Delivery room only if prior arrangements with unit management have been made.
  • Two designated support persons may visit infants in the NICU. These support persons may leave and return to the unit.
  • Please contact Maternal Child Health at 626-462-2710 for further information.
• Pediatric patients (minors less than 18 years of age) - One parent/guardian must stay with minors at all times and may not leave the patient's room during the visit.
• Visitors may be allowed on a very limited basis for patients who are actively dying and/or after death. Please ask the nurse for further information.
• Patients with physical, intellectual, and/or developmental disabilities or cognitive impairments - a support person MAY be approved ONLY if it is medically necessary. This is a very limited exception and must be approved by the unit manager and Risk Management or Nursing Supervisor. The support person may not leave the patient's room during the hospitalization.

Screening and Other Precautions

• The hospital is screening all employees, visitor and patients at all hospital entrances for symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone who does not pass the screening tests will not be allowed to enter the building and will be directed to contact their personal physician or to visit the Emergency Department.
• Hospital-grade masks will be provided to all visitors which must be worn at all times. Cloth masks from home may not be substituted for the masks provided by the hospital.
• Visitors must wash their hands frequently with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, and should also frequently use the alcohol-based hand sanitizers located inside and outside the patient's room.
• Visitors must remain in the room with the patient at all times and may not move in and out of the room, stand outside the room or gather in waiting rooms.
• Until further notice, our cafeteria is available to employees only. Vending machines are available in waiting areas should you need a snack, or you may request a guest tray with the patient’s meal for a small fee if you are approved to visit.

During this difficult time, physicians and staff will update the patient directly about their condition. If the patient is unable to communicate, or designates another person to receive these updates, the staff will call the designated contact person or legal decision maker to communicate updates about the patient’s condition and treatment. Only one designated contact person per patient will receive such updates and that person is responsible for informing other family members and friends.

Additional information on COVID-19 may be found at www.cdc.gov or http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/.

Thank you for your understanding.