Visitor policy

Following state guidelines, Norton Healthcare has lifted its no-visitor policy. However, for the protection of our patients, providers and employees, the policy still limits visitors.

What’s new

• Maternity patients may now have a properly-credentialed doula in addition to one visitor. After delivery, the mother may have the one visitor for the duration of her hospital stay, including overnight.
• Obstetrics patients may now have one visitor during the second trimester ultrasound
• All inpatients at Norton Healthcare’s adult-service hospitals may have one visitor at any time, including overnight. Patients at Norton Children’s Hospital previously had been allowed an overnight parent or guardian.

Important information for all visitors

• All visitors should arrive wearing a mask.

• All visitors will be screened when entering a Norton Healthcare facility. Those with fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, body aches or respiratory symptoms will not be allowed entry.
• All visitors should wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or apply hand sanitizer when entering and leaving patient rooms.
• Any visitor must stay in the patient’s room the entire time of the visit. Once the visitor leaves the patient’s room, they must leave the facility.

Hospitals

• Adult inpatients at Norton Healthcare hospitals (except those with COVID-19 or those in isolation) may have one visitor in their room at any time, including overnight.
• Patients at end of life may have two visitors.
• Maternity patients may now have a properly-credentialed doula in addition to one visitor. After delivery, the mother may have the one visitor for the duration of her hospital stay, including overnight.
• Pediatric patients:
  • Pediatric patients, including neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), may have two visitors who are parents or guardians.
  • Pediatric patients who test positive for COVID-19 or for whom a COVID-19 test is pending may have one parent or guardian visitor. The visitor must not have COVID-19.
• Clergy: We welcome clergy for patients in palliative care, emergency care and hospice care.
• Visitors may bring a meal or snack for themselves.

Emergency departments

• Adult patients may have one person accompany them into the facility.
• Pediatric patients may have two parents/guardians accompany them.

Doctors’ offices and outpatient medical center appointments

• Obstetrics patients may now have one visitor during the second trimester ultrasound
• Patients should wait in their vehicles or outside the office and call or text the office before coming in.
• All patients (and parents/guardians of pediatric patients) should arrive wearing a mask and will complete a health screening prior to their appointment.
• Adult patients cannot be accompanied into their appointment.
• If a patient needs additional support, they should let their provider know prior to their appointment.
• Pediatric patients:
  • Pediatric patients may have one parent or guardian in the exam room.
  • Pediatric patients may have two visitors (parents/guardians) in an outpatient unit.

Inpatient and outpatient surgeries and procedures

• Adult patients having a procedure or surgery may have one person accompany them into the facility and for discharge instructions.
• Pediatric patients having a procedure or surgery may have two parents or guardians accompany them into the facility and for discharge instructions.
• All patients and visitors should arrive wearing a mask and will complete a health screening when entering the facility.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Please contact your provider if you have any questions.

For more information about COVID-19, visit NortonHealthcare.com/COVID-19.