RICHMOND, Va. -- VCU Health has instituted a temporary no-visitor policy. The new policy, in reaction to COVID-19, went into effect on Friday, March 27.
"We understand the important role that family and friends play in healing and recovery, and we know that this is an exceptionally stressful time for all involved. While our care for patients has always included welcoming visitors, we’ve made the necessary decision to temporarily restrict all visitation at VCU Health hospitals and clinics so we may keep our patients, doctors, nurses and staff — and our visitors — safe during COVID-19," VCU Health posted online.
The hospital also posted the follow FAQ:
What does this mean?
For inpatients: We are suspending all in-person visits to hospitalized patients (inpatients) for the duration of the pandemic.
Exceptions include:
- For patients in the Labor and Delivery unit: One adult visitor, 18 years or older, permitted per patient
- For pediatric patients in all units: One adult visitor, 18 years or older, permitted per patient
- For patients who are at the end of life: The number of visitors are determined by the patient’s care team.
For outpatients: For those with appointments, we are instituting the following temporary outpatient appointment policy:
- Only patients with verified appointments may enter our hospitals and clinics. Appointments will be verified at entry screening stations.
- For adult patients with verified appointments: One support person, 18 years or older, will be permitted to accompany them to their appointment.
- For pediatric patients with verified appointments: Two accompanying adults, 18 years or older, permitted per patient.
- Both the patient and support person will be required to wear a wristband after the appointment is verified. They must have wristbands visible at all times while onsite.
VCU Health said it was working to make sure patients had iPads and phones so families could stay in touch with loved ones.
