Johnson Memorial Health’s emergency department waiting area is shown in this Dec. 2021 file photo.
Due to the increasing number of respiratory illnesses in our community, Johnson Memorial Health has updated its visitor policy.
Visitor restrictions are made based on viral activity and guidance from the Johnson County Health Department.
Visitors must be 18 years or older and be able to wear a mask at all times while in the hospital. Visitors must check in at the care unit front desk so they can be screened for COVID-19 and influenza symptoms upon arrival, the visitor policy says.
All visitors will be given a sticker to wear that indicates they have been screened, the policy says.
General visiting hours for inpatient care areas are from noon to 8 p.m. daily. Patients can have up to two visitors at a time and up to two visitors can be in a waiting area at a time, the policy says.
Emergency Department waiting area is open at all times for patient visitors as needed. The nursing staff will determine appropriate visitation numbers and times. Staff may request that visitors leave the area if not actively visiting a patient, the policy says.
Special exceptions to the policy will be made at the hospital staff’s discretion under certain circumstances. “These may include end-of-life, birth and other special situations. Visitation in these cases is always in consideration of patient safety and the patient’s nurse or provider will make a final decision. Please be respectful of your loved one and the JMH staff to whom their safe care has been entrusted,” the policy says.
Patients and visitors can call their health care provider with questions.
The full visitor policy is available on Johnson Memorial’s website on the COVID-19 resource page.
