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STEUBENVILLE -- Trinity Health System officials announced the hospital will ease visitor restrictions at its West campus effective immediately in accordance with guidance from Gov. 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 adopted a zero-visitor policy in March.
As restrictions are eased, hospital staff will continue to require screening at all entrances, and those who enter the building must 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.
According to hospital officials, visitor restrictions and guidance are in place to protect patients, visitors and staff from the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. For now, restrictions for no visitors will remain in place for the East Campus.
The 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 re-enter the facility after 9 p.m.
¯ Visitors must wear a cloth mask or one-loop mask.
¯ Visitor must stay in the room, leaving only to obtain food from the cafeteria. Visitors cannot 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 might 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 the emergency department, the visitor remains with patient until patient is discharged or admitted. Visitors cannot 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 cannot leave the room to go outside or use the lobby areas as lounge areas.
¯ Visitors cannot stay overnight in waiting room areas.
Exceptions
¯ End of life patients -- those patients not expected to survive a hospital stay -- can have two visitors. General visitation rules apply.
¯ For emergency surgeries and procedures one visitor may check in after 9 p.m.
Visitors cannot 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 and verbal comprehension. No visitors are allowed for positive COVID-19 patients or those on the PUI COVID pathway.