Norton Healthcare is updating its visitor policies due to the improved COVID-19 statistics and vaccination efforts throughout the city and region. The policy reflects a commitment to the well-being of our patients, their families and our employees.

Once Kentucky lifts many restrictions on June 11, Norton Healthcare will continue to require masks in all patient settings.

Important Information for All Visitors

• All visitors are still required to arrive wearing a mask.
• All visitors must receive a visitor’s pass and must wear the badge while in the hospital.
• All visitors must be 18 or older, unless a special exception is granted.
• Anyone who is ill is asked to not visit or accompany patients.
• If a visitor displays unsafe, threatening or aggressive behavior, or impedes care, intentionally or not, appropriate measures will be taken to protect our patients and staff.

Inpatient Facilities

• Visiting hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at all adult facilities.
• Visiting hours for designated secondary caregivers at Norton Children’s Hospital are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Designated primary caregivers can visit at any time. See more information on children’s visiting hours below.
• All adult hospital inpatients, except those in isolation, may have two visitors, ages 18 or older, during visitor hours.
• All adult hospital inpatients, except those in isolation, may have one visitor, age 18 or older, after visiting hours end, including overnight.
• For patients in isolation:
  • One visitor, age 18 or older, for most isolation patients, including those in COVID-19 isolation.
    • No visitor for patients with COVID-19 who are on “continuous” aerosolizing therapies, including BiPAP, Vapotherm and ventilator.
  • All visitors must strictly follow personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines and must stay in the patient’s room throughout the visit.
  • All visitors must leave the room during any aerosolizing procedures.

Outpatient Departments and Surgery

Two adult visitors, ages 18 or older, are allowed per patient.

Emergency Department

One visitor, age 18 or older, per adult patient. Two visitors, ages 18 or older, per pediatric patient.

• For patients in isolation:
  • One visitor, age 18 or older, for most isolation patients, including those in COVID-19 isolation.
    • No visitor for patients with COVID-19 who are on “continuous” aerosolizing therapies, including BiPAP, Vapotherm and ventilator.
  • All visitors must strictly follow PPE guidelines and must stay in the patient’s room throughout the visit.
  • All visitors must leave the room during any aerosolizing procedures.

Doctors’ Offices and Outpatient Medical Center Appointments, Including Norton Cancer Institute

One visitor, age 18 or older, per adult patient. Two visitors, ages 18 or older, per pediatric patient.

Patient and Family Services

In addition to an updated visitor’s policy, Norton Healthcare has expanded patient and family services throughout the facilities.

• All reception areas (waiting rooms) reopened while continuing to follow social distancing of 6 feet and mask protocols. Removal of furniture and extra signage assist with social distancing measures.
• All facility cafeterias are open to 60% occupancy and require masking for all customers.

We are dedicated to the care and safety of our patients. Our visitor policy is designed to ensure patients have the support they need while limiting exposure to illness and germs and minimizing infection risk.

Norton Children’s Visitor Policy

Inpatient

• Only two individuals are allowed with the patient at any given time.
• Primary caregivers: Up to two designated primary caregivers are allowed for the length of the child’s hospital stay and can visit the child at any time. Primary caregivers must be age 18 or older unless they are the parents/guardians of the patient. Primary caregivers will have their fingerprints registered with the visitor management system allowing them greater access.
• Secondary caregivers: Up to four designated secondary caregivers may visit between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. for the length of the child’s hospital stay. Secondary caregivers must be age 18 or older.
• Caregivers must successfully complete a health screening form daily and receive a visitor’s pass for the day.
• Compassionate visitation exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Outpatient (Emergency/Surgery/Testing)

• Two visitors may accompany the pediatric patient.
• All visitors must successfully complete a health screening form.
• No one under age 18 may accompany a patient for outpatient services unless they are the parents/guardians of the patient.