December 4, 2020–5:51 p.m.
NEWS RELEASE
Floyd is making changes to its visitation policies beginning 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the community.
Visitation hours at Floyd Medical Center, Polk Medical Center and Cherokee Medical Center will be limited to 9 a.m. to noon and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Exceptions to those times will be made for pediatric patients, patients with communication issues and patients with cognitive disabilities.
No children younger than 16 will be allowed to visit patients in the hospital.
“We understand how important it is for both patients and their loved ones to stay connected,” said Sheila Bennett, Executive Vice President and Chief of Patient Services at Floyd. “However, we felt it necessary to take these steps to protect our patients, our staff and even other visitors because of the number of COVID-19 cases in our community.”
Patients scheduled for routine outpatient procedures and those needing care at the emergency rooms, primary care offices, urgent care locations, rehabilitation, wound care or behavioral health will not be allowed visitors. Exceptions will be made for pediatric patients, patients with communication issues and patients with cognitive disabilities.
Parents or guardians should not bring minor children when attending primary care, urgent care or other outpatient visits unless the child is the patient. Patients who have no other option should notify the respective office prior to their appointment if a minor child will be with them.
All pediatric patients, whether hospitalized, in the emergency room or scheduled for surgery will be permitted two designated visitors. Babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Floyd Medical Center will also be allowed two visitors.
Dr. Ken Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Floyd, said it is important that all efforts be made to limit the spread of COVID-19.
“At this time, many cities and counties in Georgia are experiencing rising infection rates. At Floyd we are working to be proactive so that we can continue providing the community the care it expects,” Jones said.
Requests for additional visitors due to special circumstances, such as end-of-life, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
All visitors and patients will be screened before entering the hospital. Upon entrance they will be required to wear masks. Visitors with flu-like symptoms will not be allowed to enter. Patients who are COVID-19 positive or suspected of having virus will not be allowed visitors. Specific situations such as pediatric patients or patients with special needs will require evaluation to weigh the risk and benefits of allowing visitation.
For a complete breakdown of visitation guidelines visit https://www.floyd.org/about-floyd/covid-19/Pages/visitor-guidelines.aspx