Our visitor policy has been temporarily changed to reflect concerns about the pandemic.

We know this is a difficult time to have a loved one in the hospital with these restrictions. We are doing as much as we can to help patients stay in touch, even those who may not have cell phone access. The health system has provided nursing supervisors with health system cell phones for use with patients who do not have their own. We think it’s important to stay in touch, if only through a phone call.

Please review our current visitor policy. We know there may be concerns and complaints about this policy, but the action we are taking is designed to protect your loved ones and the members of our WK family too. It’s a tough time for all of us. We ask for your understanding and for your patience.

GENERAL INPATIENT VISITOR POLICY

The general policy in effect today is one visitor at a time for each patient. Exceptions may be made by administrative staff for specific issues, such as end of life, pre- and post-operative conversations, cognitive impairment and similar concerns. Visitors must be age 12 or older.

All visitors must be screened upon entering the hospital and must wear a mask and the armband presented during screening at all times. Visitors may come and go during the day and they may switch places with other visitors, as long as the limit is not exceeded. Every visitor should remain in the patient room unless accessing the cafeteria or vending area.

PEDIATRIC PATIENT  (NICU, PICU, Pediatrics)

Children in the hospital may have two visitors at a time.

LABOR & DELIVERY

A mother in active labor may have one visitor. No other visitors are permitted on the labor and delivery units.

OVERNIGHT VISITORS

A visitor (age 18 or older) may spend the night with a patient but must return to the screening desk in the morning to be rescreened and secure an armband for that day.

PATIENTS WITH COVID-19

No visitors are permitted.  Exceptions will be made for end of life, when only two are permitted.

CLERGY

Members of the clergy are not included in a patient’s visitor. Like other visitors, they must undergo screening and wear a mask and armband. They are permitted to don personal protective equipment to provide last rites or spiritual support in end of life situations.

OUTPATIENTS

For patients undergoing an outpatient procedure, only one visitor is permitted, and this person must be age 12 or older and undergo screening.

Emergency patients are permitted one visitor/person accompanying them.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT YOUR LOVED ONE IN THE HOSPITAL

• Keep in touch using electronic communications. If your loved one does not have a telephone, the nursing supervisor can provide one to assure daily contact.
• Respect the caregivers on the floors who are working long hours and giving up their time at home with their families to care for your loved one.
• Send cards or letters to your loved one. They will be delivered, and it will brighten your loved one’s day.
• Pray for your loved one and for the workers who are providing care and those supporting them.

We will all get through this together – cooperation is critical!

PUBLIC CLASSES & EVENTS

All campus activities involving the public are cancelled until further notice.

We appreciate your cooperation and regret any inconvenience this may cause.

We look forward to welcoming you to our campus again when the threat of this virus has passed.