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.