MercyHealth, SwedishAmerican Change Visitor Guidelines

As anyone who has wanted to visit with, or accompany a friend or family member in the hospital knows, it's been a very difficult few months. Now, some restrictions are being eased.

As reported by 23 WIFR News, MercyHealth is easing visitor guidelines now that its hospitals have resumed elective and non-urgent cases and services at its facilities.

New guidelines:

•  Adult patients: one designated visitor per day, upon approval
•  Pediatric patients (inpatient): two designated visitors upon approval
•  Women in labor: one designated visitor, upon approval
•  Adult patients undergoing surgery/procedure: one designated visitor, upon approval
• Emergency Room: one designated visitor, upon approval
• Exceptions may be made during special circumstances, including end of life.

MercyHealth will return to its visiting hour schedule, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days per week. All visitors must screen negative for fever and be asymptomatic of flu-like and other respiratory-related symptoms, wear a mask and practice social distancing.

At SwedishAmerican, their visiting hours are 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, within these guidelines:

•  must screen negative for fever and be asymptomatic of COVID-19 related symptoms
•  wear a mask or cloth face covering that covers the nose and mouth
•  practice social distancing (remain 6 feet from others)
•  wash hands when entering and exiting patient care areas
•  leave the facility as soon as the visit is over
•  may be asked to leave if social distancing cannot be maintained or if expectations are not being followed.