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COVID-19 Visitation Policy
Separation of patients and their loved ones during a hospitalization can cause significant stress and anxiety, and the opportunity to visit hospitalized patients must be done in a manner that continues to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the health and wellbeing of patients, staff, and visitors. In recognition of this need to ensure a safe environment of care for our patients, staff and community in general, hospital visitation will be:
Two visitors per patient per day
Mon-Fri 1PM-7PM (last entry 6:45PM)
Sat-Sun 9AM-2PM (last entry 1:45PM)
Purpose
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) issued visitor limitation guidance to hospitals to protect and maintain the health and safety of both patients and staff during the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
All visitors must adhere to the following policies and practices:
Hospitals must:
In addition, hospitals will ensure that following allowances are made at a minimum:
Labor and Delivery
Visitor/supports including a doula if requested, may accompany the patient throughout labor, delivery, and the postpartum period, including recovery, until discharge to home. The support persons can be the patient’s spouse, partner, sibling, parent, or other persons of their choice.
Pediatrics
Pediatric patients may have two designated support persons with them at all times with additional visitors during visiting hours.
Patients with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD)
Patients with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and patients with cognitive impairments including dementia, may designate a support person to remain with them through their hospitalization. Additional visitors may also be with the patient during hospital-designated visiting hours.
End of life situations
For patients in imminent end-of-life situations, support/visitors will be allowed at all times.
Same-Day Procedures
Patients undergoing same-day procedures may be accompanied to the facility by one companion and that companion may remain in a hospital-designated waiting area if space permits or outside the building until the patient is ready to be discharged.
COVID-19 patients and PUI’s (patients under investigation for COVID-19)
Patients that are positive for Covid-19 and PUI’s (patients under investigation for Covid-19) will not be allowed visitors. Temporary visitation may be granted for patients in extenuating circumstances, such as imminent end-of-life and/or a specific patient needing extra support. Staff will instruct visitor on proper application of PPE (personal protection equipment). This temporary allowance of visitation will be continuously evaluated and if circumstances improve visitor may be asked to leave.
Use alternate methods of communication for patients in the hospital as appropriate to individual patient ability and medical status (audio, visual). This may include use of electronic devices with video ability that are hospital owned, or patient owned devices. CDC recommendations for cleaning will occur after each patient use.
HIPAA Considerations
The HIPAA Privacy Rule allows patient information to be shared to assist in nationwide public health emergencies, and to assist patients in receiving the care they need. This is important to consider when visitation is suspended and use of alternative remote methods of communication with family and friends is utilized.
Under Pandemic Public Health Crisis hospitals will not be penalized for failing to comply with HIPAA and the following requirements are waived to facilitate communication and patient care.
- to obtain a patient’s agreement to speak with family members or friends involved in the patient’s care • the requirement to honor a request to opt out of the facility directory
- the requirement to distribute a notice of privacy practices
- the patient’s right to request privacy restrictions
- the patient’s right to request confidential communications
References: HIPAA requirements found in 45 CFR NYSDOH Health Advisory March 18, 2020 update March 21, 2020 and update April 10, 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus Disease 2019 Guidance. NYS DOH Health Advisory on Visitation, March 18, 2020, March 21, 2020 and April 10, 2020 and June 17, 2020.
what our patients are saying
“The staff and accommodations at Cayuga Birthplace are amazing!!! This is what it I imagine it would feel like to be a celebrity getting VIP treatment. I wish I could stay longer – even the food options are 5 Star! The amenities are great. Everything is clean and designed beautifully. Not a single complaint, only praises!”
“I have had many occasions visiting CMC for myself and family. We have never had a bad experience there at all. Last October I had surgery and the nurses were amazing especially my night nurse. Thank you to all CMC staff for doing what you do every day with a smile.”
“I have to say the last couple visits that I’ve had here have been wonderful. About a month ago I had an EGD and the staff were amazing! Explained everything in detail and made me feel at ease. I was very nervous and the nurse I had was very comforting. Tonight we had to take my son to the emergency room and they were awesome with him! We got right in. “
“I have been a Hemo dialysis patient for almost Five years. Prior to dialysis and during dialysis I have had several trips to the ER, due to other health issues & was admitted to CMC more than a few times. Each and every time I’ve been there, whether in patient or out, I have been treated with respect, professionalism, and efficiency. I give this hospital 2 thumbs up!! Thank you CMC for taking care of me all these years!!”
