Health

New Visitor Restriction Guidelines for All Polk County Hospitals

August 27, 2021

(Des Moines, IA) – As we continue to work together to keep our patients, families and healthcare providers safe and healthy, the following new visitor restriction policies have been put in place by all metro hospitals (Broadlawns Medical Center, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and UnityPoint Health – Des Moines).

Effective Tuesday, August 31, 2021, one support person per day for patient except for following circumstances:

  • If a patient is COVID-19 positive, one support person per day will be allowed. Support person will be required to wear appropriate PPE to protect individual from COVID-19 transmission.

  • 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 one support person.

  • If a patient is under the age of 18, they may have two designated support persons at a time in the patient’s room to support the care of the patient.

Visiting hours are different for each healthcare system. Please contact each hospital to find out hours. Caregivers and visitors may deliver limited personal items to patients. Check with the health system to see what items are allowed before delivering to patient. Masking is required at all times in healthcare facilities, including patient rooms.

Designated support persons must be free of any signs of illness and will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19. Designated support person should bring a mask to wear upon entering the hospital or clinic. Individuals at high risk for severe disease (e.g., underlying cardiopulmonary disease, poorly controlled diabetes) should not visit.

Designated support persons:

  • Siblings under the age of 16 are not allowed.
  • Always remain in patient room as appropriate
  • Free from illness such as (fever, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, vomiting or runny nose)
  • Limit movement within the facility and avoid common areas (cafeterias will not be open to the public)

 

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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