In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, we have made the decision to further suspend routine patient visits starting Thursday, March 19, at all Norton Healthcare hospitals and outpatient medical centers.
Hospitals
The new patient visitor guidelines in place at Norton Audubon Hospital, Norton Brownsboro Hospital, Norton Children’s Hospital, Norton Hospital, Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, and Norton Children’s Medical Center will remain in effect until further notice. This was a difficult decision and one we did not take lightly. However, it is critically important as we protect the health of our patients, their families, caregivers and the community during this outbreak.
Access to our hospitals will be limited to the main and emergency department entries only. All visitors must successfully complete a health screening before being allowed access to patient spaces.
We encourage use of FaceTime, Skype and phone calls to visit with loved ones in the hospital. For those with infants in our neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), we offer NicView — a live streaming webcam to view your baby.
No visitors will be allowed for patients in isolation, including those who have a pending or positive COVID-19 test (unless the patient is under age 18, then they may have one parent or guardian visitor).
Additionally, with the exceptions noted below, no visitors will be allowed for the following adult patients:
- Patients in adult units (except maternity)
- Surgical patients
- Emergency patients
The following pediatric patients will be allowed two visitors:
- Surgical patients
- Emergency patients
Exceptions and restrictions
We know there are patients who will require exceptions to the guidelines, and these are listed below. Any visitor granted an exception 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 hospital.
Areas with additional consideration include:
- Maternity and nursery patients: Obstetric patients may have one partner and one birth support person accompany them.
- Pediatric and NICU patients: Up to four primary caregivers will have 24/7 access to the patient, two visitors at a time, and will be issued wristbands or sticker upon admission.
- Patients at the end of life: Two visitors
- Emergency patients: Any patient who is cognitively of physically impaired will be allowed one person to provide needed support.
- Clergy: We welcome clergy for palliative care, emergency care and hospice care patient support
- Patients who are physically or cognitively impaired: One visitor
- Compassionate visitation exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Adult outpatient medical centers
At this time, patients will not be allowed to be accompanied into their appointment. If a patient needs additional support, they should let their provider know prior to their appointment. All patients will complete a health screening prior to their appointment.
Other important information for all visitors
When visiting, we ask all guests to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds when entering and leaving patient rooms.
Those with fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, body aches or respiratory symptoms should stay home.
For more information about COVID-19 transmission and prevention, visit the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s COVID-19 website KYCOVID19.ky.gov.