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. At this time we are not allowing visitors age 17 or younger.

What’s New

• Maternity patients in antepartum and postpartum units now may have two visitors, in addition to the primary designated support person, in their room at any time, including overnight.
• During labor and delivery, maternity patients now may have a properly credentialed doula or a secondary support person in addition to one designated support person.

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.
• A visitor may be asked to wait in their car if the patient they have come to see has another visitor at the time of their arrival.
• We reserve the right to deny visitation to those not willing to follow our processes, which are designed for the safety of our patients, team members and visitors.

Hospitals

• All adult inpatients, except those in isolation, at Norton Healthcare hospitals may have one visitor in their room at any time, including overnight.
• During labor and delivery, maternity patients now may have a properly credentialed doula or a secondary support person in addition to one designated support person.
• Maternity patients in antepartum and postpartum units now may have two visitors, in addition to the primary designated support person, in their room at any time, including overnight.
• Patients at the end of life may have two visitors simultaneously; special exceptions for more visitors may be granted.
• Pediatric patients:
  • Children and infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may have two visitors who are parents or guardians. One parent or guardian can stay overnight.
  • Children 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

• 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, except obstetrics patients coming for their second-trimester ultrasound. They may have one visitor.
• If a patient needs additional support, they should let their provider know prior to their appointment.
• Pediatric patients:
  • May have one parent or guardian in the exam room. If necessary for the well-being of the child, two adults will be allowed. Siblings should not accompany the patient, with the exception of a sibling guardian.
  • 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.