Trinity Health System Will Allow Limited Visitation

 

Steubenville, Ohio. (May 18, 2020) – Trinity Health System will ease visitor restrictions at its West campus effective immediately, in accordance with guidance from Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health. The hospital will allow one visitor per patient per day as they expand the number of non-emergent and non-urgent procedures following a shutdown in those services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital had adopted a zero visitor policy in March.

 

As restrictions are eased, they will continue to require screening at all entrances, and for anyone who enters the building to wear a mask and practice good hand hygiene. Anyone with a fever, cough, runny nose or body aches is asked to not visit the hospital. Patients and visitors are asked to limit the number of personal items in the hospital to reduce the number of germs taken home. Visitors are asked to leave the hospital when their visit is over and not spend time in public areas, such as lobbies, waiting areas, cafeterias and vending areas.

 

Visitor restrictions and guidance are in place to protect patients, visitors and staff from the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.  Restrictions for no visitors will remain in place for our East Campus at this time.

 

New guidelines include the following:

 

General Visitation

• One designated visitor will be allowed per patient per day. If during the hospital stay, the designated visitor needs to change to a different person, the patient will notify the nurse. If the patient is unable to identify a visitor, the power of attorney will be responsible for identifying the designated visitor.
• No Visitors under age 14.
• Visitors will not be allowed to reenter the facility after 9 p.m.
• Visitors must wear a cloth mask or KEEP one loop mask.
• Visitor must stay in room, leaving only to obtain food from the cafeteria. Visitors may not use the lobby areas as lounge areas.
• All outside food must be prepackaged and sealed. All packages are subject to inspection by security.

Emergency Department

• One visitor is allowed to accompany patients for assistance.
• If the waiting area cannot accommodate new visitors, the visitor may be asked to wait outside or in an alternate designated waiting area and be called to come in when patient is taken back to a treatment room.
• Once in ED, visitor remains with patient until patient is discharged or admitted. Visitors may not leave the room to go outside and return.

 

Hospital ICU Procedures

• One designated visitor will be allowed per patient per day following posted visiting hours.
• Visitors may not leave the room to go outside or use the lobby areas as lounge areas.
• Visitors may not stay overnight in waiting room areas.

Exceptions

• End of life patients – those patients not expected to survive a hospital stay – may have two visitors. General visitation rules apply.
• For emergency surgeries and procedures one visitor may check in after 9 p.m.

 

Visitors may not accompany patients who are having a non-invasive outpatient test without sedation unless the patient clearly needs assistance due to issues with physical mobility or mental/verbal comprehension.  No visitors for positive COVID-19 patients or those on the PUI COVID pathway.

 

Trinity Health System appreciates your cooperation with these efforts to keep our most vulnerable loved ones safe.