Visitation Restrictions in NICU Starting Monday, Oct. 16
Based on increasing viral disease, including RSV, in the community, visitation restrictions have been implemented in the Eskenazi Health NICU. Visitation guidelines for other hospitalized patients are outlined below the NICU restrictions.
Restrictions will be as follows:
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Only parents plus four healthy adults (18 years or older) per patient are allowed to visit NICU patients.
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Children under 18 years old, including siblings, are not permitted to visit at this time.
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To reduce potential exposures for the patient, parents are asked not to change visitor lists during the viral season (with exceptions being discussed as needed).
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Any visitors other than parents who present ill will not be permitted to visit, even if they are on the list. Parents will be counseled to stay home if ill as well, but no restrictions will be placed on their visitation (with the exception of positivity for COVID-19 and viral-related fever). Ill parents will be asked to wear a mask and complete frequent hand hygiene.
Visitor Restrictions for Eskenazi Health
The visiting hours for the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital are from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. The visiting hours are the same seven days a week.
In the critical care areas, one visitor (family spokesperson) will be allowed to remain at the bedside during shift report. This is for patient privacy and to help with a safe shift handoff. Two visitors are permitted at the bedside at a time unless the patient is at end-of-life and then four visitors will be allowed at the bedside. Visitors must be 14 years old and accompanied by an adult.
Overnight visitors may be allowed under the following exceptions: minors, vulnerable patients and end-of-life. The shift coordinators are empowered to make these decisions.
Enhanced Screening Process for Patients and Visitors on Eskenazi Health Downtown Campus
Patients and visitors entering the Sandra Eskenazi Outpatient Care Center, the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital or the Michael & Susan Smith Emergency Department will be screened for items that pose a safety risk. Screening equipment will include a pass-through metal detector, handheld scanning device and X-ray machine for belongings. If circumstances warrant it, patients or visitors will be scanned using a handheld device, and personal items such as, but not limited to, purses, backpacks, bags and briefcases will be sent through an X-ray machine. These screening measures are part of maintaining a safe campus environment for Eskenazi Health staff, patients and visitors and will not interfere with or delay emergency medical treatment.