Visiting Policy

Pursuant to Governor Scott’s Executive Order 01-20, Declaration of State of Emergency in Response to COVID-19 and National Guard Call-Out, the Agency of Human Services has revised the minimum standard for visitation policies and procedures for all hospitals throughout Vermont.

We know family members and loved ones play a key role in supporting and comforting those who are sick and ill. As we seek to manage the current status of COVID-19, we are again, making changes to our Visitor Policy for the health and safety of our patients and employees.

Policy Provisions:

  • Entrances into all medical buildings and clinics will be restricted, and everyone who enters will be asked the purpose of their visit.
  • Support people accompanying a patient and all visitors are screened at the main hospital entrance or at the clinic entrance.
  • Only ADA service animals are permitted.
  • All visitors must be masked and maintain face and nose covering for the entirety of their visit. If a visitor does not have a procedural mask, it will be provided to them.
  • Staff should encourage visitors to clean their hands upon every entry/exit.
  • Visitors will not be permitted if patients are suspected of having COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19. We make every effort to support patient and family interaction by deploying the use of technology.
  • Visitors are asked to limit traffic in hallways and avoid congregating in public spaces before, after, or between visits.
  • Visitors are able to visit the Copley cafeteria.
  • Exceptions to this policy may be made in extenuating circumstances.
  • Visitation is allowed between 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM. In patient visitation on weekends is by appointment only.

Policy:

Inpatient /Acute Care and Emergency Department:

Medical Surgical Unit:

  • Patients are allowed one visitor or support person at a time.
  • Pediatric patients: one parent or guardian may stay with their child.

Patients in End of Life Care:

  • The care team will manage decisions on visitation on a case by case basis.

The Birthing Center:

  • Patients are allowed one support person and one consistent visitor at a time.
  • Doulas are considered part of the patient’s care team.

Emergency Department:

  • Patients are allowed one consistent visitor or support person at a time.
  • Pediatric patients may have one parent or guardian stay with them.

Outpatient Clinics, Lab, Radiology, Rehabilitation Services:

  • Patients are allowed one consistent visitor or support person at a time.
  • Pediatric patients: one parent or guardian may stay with their child.

Infusion:

  • Visitation is not allowed at this time.
  • Patients are allowed one consistent support person if their presence is necessary to provide optimal care.
  • Pediatric patients: one parent or guardian may stay with their child.

Peri-Operative (Surgical):

  • Visitation is not allowed at this time.
  • Patients are allowed one consistent support person if their presence is necessary to provide optimal care.
  • Pediatric patients: one parent or guardian may stay with their child.