Visitors

Safety First:
Visitor Policy updated January 13, 2022

We take the health and safety of our patients, staff, and community seriously which is why we have added new visitor guidelines for Red Bud Regional Hospital.

We understand that when a health emergency arrives, it can cause anxiety and fear in the patient, as well as the family members. Having someone at your side can add a sense of comfort. In an effort to support our patients during these difficult times, we have implemented new visitor guidelines that combine safety and comfort.

The following decisions are based on the state and local positivity rates and will continue to be monitored.

Emergency Department

The term "Person Under Investigation" (PUI) means that the patient is either showing symptoms of COVID-19 or requiring further testing to rule out COVID-19.

1. Visitors will wait outdoors while the patient is triaged and seen by the ER physician. If the patient is age 17 or younger, one parent will remain with the patient.
2. After the patient has had an exam and the physician determines that he/she is not a PUI, one visitor is allowed.
3. If the physician determines that the patient is a PUI, visitors will not be allowed.
4. If multiple visitors arrive with the patient, please appoint one person as the representative to receive the necessary communication from the ER staff. We will take every effort to communicate with you while we care for your loved one.

Med/Surg unit: visiting hours 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. daily

1. One essential visitor is allowed per patient per day. "Essential visitor" is defined as a family member of caregiver who serves as part of the patient's care team, speaks on their behalf or is a power of attorney. Families are encouraged to identify one essential visitor so it can be communicated with our staff. Social visits are not allowed at this time.
2. We ask that no one under the age of 16 visit unless Administrative approval is provided. This will be reviewed based on the patient's request and the patient's clinical situation.
3. Visits are held inside the patient's room. If the room is occupied by two patients, the second visitor to arrive will wait until the room is clear before entering.
4. Appointments are not required. If you prefer to call ahead, please dial (618) 282-5139.
5. Essential visitors requesting to see a COVID-positive patient will require pre-approval to ensure all safety measures are in place.
6. Essential visitors will take their temperature in the Main Lobby and sign in at the switchboard prior to entering the elevator and going to the 3rd floor.
7. Only when the switchboard operator is gone, visitors will go directly to the 3rd floor and check in at the nurse's station every time they arrive/depart.
   
8. See section “All Visitors”

Surgery

1. One visitor is allowed per patient.
2. Visitor will be screened for COVID at time of entry and can be denied entry based on the screening results.

Outpatient Testing (Lab, Radiology, Physical Therapy, Clinic)

If a patient presents to the hospital for an outpatient appointment or outpatient test, the patient must meet the criteria below in order to allow the visitor to continue past the screening station with the patient.

• Patient is under the age of 18
• Patient is at end-of-life
• Patient solely relies on caregiver for transport (wheelchair), translation (foreign speaking) or mental understanding (confusion/memory loss)
• Patient is having surgery

In these situations, one visitor is allowed per patient. Special exceptions may be made for patients at the discretion of hospital administration.

Long Term Care (nursing home/Care Center) - Effective March 1, 2021

These guidelines are based on CMS criteria. If the local COVID-19 positivity rate increases or positive cases occur inside the Care Center, we will review and update the visitor restrictions according to local and state guidelines. Please know that our overall goal is to safely reopen our doors to family visits.

1. Indoor and outdoor visitation is available (weather permitting).
2. Up to three visitors are allowed per resident.
3. Visitors must be 16 years of age or older.
4. Visits are by appointment only by calling 282-3891. Visits last 45 minutes, and you may arrive five minutes prior to your visit.
5. Visitors will sign a consent outlining the stipulations of their visit. Click here for a copy.
6. If a resident is fully vaccinated, they can choose to have a close contact (including touch) with their visitor while wearing a well-fitter cloth mask or face covering and perform hand-hygiene before and after..
7. Visitors should maintain six feet social distance from other residents and staff members while inside the facility.
8. Staff will clean and disinfect visitation area between appointments.
9. Visitors may not bring food or drink for their own consumption to the visit.
10. See section “All Visitors”

All visitors

1. All patients and exception visitors will be screened at the door for fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, and other COVID-related illness. If you are an exception visitor and showing symptoms of illness, you will not be permitted to visit during that time as you could expose others to your illness.
2. All visitors are required to bring their own mask and wear it upon entry into the building. Visitors must wear a mask over their mouth and nose at all times, even when staff and patients are not present.
3. All visitors will maintain six feet of space in patient rooms and in common areas.
4. Visitors will not bring outside items to the visit such as food.
5. Visitors will promptly arrive to and leave from a scheduled visit or appointment.
6. If visitors are not abiding by the guidelines and patient safety is being compromised, the staff may end the visit at any time.

We understand that these rules can feel burdensome and inconvenient. Our top priority is keeping our patients, visitors and employees safe. We appreciate your compliance with these guidelines, and we look forward to welcoming you back into our building.