Visitor Restrictions, Screening Processes and Safety Precautions

As required by federal, state and county public health orders, and to reduce transmission of infection, visitors are allowed in the hospital at this time only 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 for patients who are COVID-19 positive or until a COVID-19 infection has been ruled out, except under special circumstances as approved by Hospital Administration.
Two visitors will be allowed to visit a patient at a time during normal hospital visitation hours, as long as social distancing can be accomplished in the patient’s room. Patients who are in double bedrooms, ED, CCU, or other small rooms may have no more than one visitor in most circumstances.
Visitors must sign in and out on a log at the main and/or Emergency Department security desk. Visitors may come and go from the hospital, but there may never be more than two visitors in the patient’s room at any one time. The patient does not need to designate the visitors in advance.
Visitors must walk directly to the patient’s room and stay in the patient’s room during their visit. Visitors may not congregate in the hallways or waiting rooms or utilize the hospital gift shop or cafeteria.
Hospital-grade masks will be provided to all visitors which must be worn at all times, including in the patient’s room. Cloth masks from home may not be substituted for the masks provided by the hospital. Visitors must also use all other personal protective equipment (PPE) required by the hospital if, for example, the patient is in isolation for a communicable disease.
Visitors must wash their hands frequently with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, and should also use the alcohol-based hand sanitizers located inside and outside the patient's room before entering and after exiting the patient’s room.
Visitors may not eat or drink in the patient’s room since a mask must be worn at all times. They must leave the hospital to eat or drink and may return afterward.
Visitors may not bring belongings or food to the patient without the prior approval of the nurse.
Staff will continue to encourage and assist patients to contact their loved ones by telephone or through electronic media if visitors are not able to come in person to the hospital.
In accordance with normal hospital policy, Security, Risk Management, nursing supervisors, or other management staff may use discretion to allow or restrict visitors at any time in the patient's best interest or in the interest of the safety of the hospital or hospital staff.

Screening and Other Precautions

The hospital is screening all employees, visitors 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.
Until further notice, the hospital cafeteria and gift shop is available to employees only.
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.