With cases of the coronavirus skyrocketing across the state of Michigan, Spectrum Health officials announced Wednesday its revising its visitor policies. The West Michigan based health giant says the move is specifically as a result of an increasing number of patients that have been admitted to its hospitals with COVID-19 symptoms.
On Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 3,271 new cases and 18 new deaths, as health officials fear the new wave of COVID-19 infections may overwhelm hospitals and staff.
Spectrum Health announced that effective Thursday, Oct. 29, adult patients are allowed one adult family member or guest per patient. This must be the same person for the patient’s entire hospital stay.
The following exceptions will apply:
- Labor and delivery obstetrics patients are allowed two adult visitors. These must be the same two people for the patient’s entire hospital stay.
- Patients with COVID-19 are not allowed in-person visitors, however the care team will work with patients and families to coordinate virtual visits.
- Emergency department patients are limited to one adult guest per patient.
- Adult radiology and laboratory patients at the hospital or outpatient care sites are not allowed guests except for those patients who need assistance with activities of daily living or have cognitive impairments. These individuals will be allowed one adult guest.
- Adult patients at Spectrum Health physician offices and surgery centers are allowed one adult family member or guest per patient.
- Pediatric patients under the age of 21 are allowed two adult family members (parent or guardian or their designee only) per patient stay.
- For pediatric outpatient services, physician offices and surgery, pediatric patients are allowed two family members or guests per patient visit.
- Pediatric radiology patients are allowed one adult family member per patient.
- Pediatric hematology and oncology clinic and infusion center patients are allowed one adult family member per patient.
