Health

New Visitor Guidelines for All Polk County Hospitals

Published 4/13/2022 1:21:53 PM

April 7, 2022

(Des Moines, IA) – As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have decreased in Polk County, Broadlawns Medical Center, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and UnityPoint Health – Des Moines have made the following changes to their visitor policies.
The following visitor guidelines are now in place:


• Each patient is allowed two visitors. Visitors can be different people and must be 16 years or older. Visitors can only visit during hospital’s designated visiting hours. Exceptions may be made by nursing unit leadership for end-of-life or extenuating circumstances. Please visit each hospital’s website for specific information.

• In Maternity services (labor & delivery), one designated birthing coach/ doula is allowed in the patient’s labor & delivery room during active labor to support the care of the mother in addition to two visitors.

• In outpatient clinics, two visitors are allowed at one time for each patient. Visitors can be present if procedure is before or after visiting hours.

• If patient is in behavioral health unit, please check with the unit as visitor guidelines are different.

All visitors must be free of any signs of illness and will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19. Visitors must follow masking guidelines while at each hospital. Visitors will need to wash hands frequently and limit movement within the facility and avoid common areas. Visitors should not visit if they are considered at high risk for severe disease (e.g., underlying cardiopulmonary disease, poorly controlled diabetes) and/or unable to wear a mask.

Visiting hours are different for each healthcare system. Please visit the hospital’s website for visiting hours. Thank you for your cooperation in this effort. For up-to-date information related to COVID-19, please visit www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health.

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