Mountain Health Hospitals to Implement a No Visitor Policy

Friday, March 20, 2020

To continue to prioritize the safety of patients, employees and the community, Cabell Huntington Hospital (CHH) and St. Mary’s Medical Center (SMMC) are implementing a no visitor policy effective at noon, Saturday, March 21, until further notice. 

“After considering what was best for the safety of our patients and employees, we made this difficult decision,” said Hoyt Burdick, MD, chief clinical officer, Mountain Health Network. “The situation with COVID-19 is rapidly changing and we must adapt our policies to change with it. We truly appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation.”

For both CHH and SMMC, the following policies are in place until further notice:

• No one will be permitted to be with a patient with few exceptions.
• One essential caregiver will be permitted in pediatrics, labor and delivery, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and the Neonatal Therapeutic Unit (NTU) for the duration of the patient’s stay.
• Exceptions, will considered for circumstances such as end of life care
• No visitors for anyone in isolation for suspected or confirmed COVID-19. 

For all CHH and SMMC outpatient clinics, urgent cares and emergency rooms:

• Family members will not be allowed to accompany their loved ones into the office or exam room unless absolutely necessary.
• If an essential caregiver is needed for assistance, only one person may accompany a patient.

Authorized visitors will be identified with a badge provided to them at the entrance screening checkpoints. Additional visitors will not be permitted in the lobby areas.