WVU Medicine East hospitals relax inpatient, ED visitor restrictions

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – WVU Medicine East will relax its COVID-19 pandemic visitor restrictions for hospital inpatients and emergency department patients beginning July 27.

The updated general visitation guidelines for inpatients at Berkeley Medical Center and Jefferson Medical Center include:

· Visiting hours are 12 noon – 7 pm. All visitors will be screened and must wear a mask at all times.

· One approved adult visitor is allowed per day, per inpatient.

· Visitors are required to register at the information desk in the main lobby to obtain a visitor pass.

· Visitors must remain in the patient’s room during their entire stay.

· Visitors must exit through the main lobby and return their visitor pass. They will not be allowed to return until the next day.

· Exceptions will be made for life threatening emergencies or sensitive patient care situations.

· Adjusted guidelines apply to the pediatric, obstetrics and NICU units.

· No visitors are permitted on the Behavioral Health Unit.

Updated visitation guidelines for the emergency departments include:

· Individuals who are ill are not permitted to accompany patients.

· Patients may be accompanied by one adult. Others are not to enter the facility.

· The approved adult visitor will be asked to return to their vehicle and will be notified once the patient is placed in a treatment room.

· Visitors are required to register, obtain a visitor’s badge, and wear a mask at all times.

“Our ambulatory surgery, outpatient services, physician clinics and urgent care centers will continue to discourage visitors with some exceptions,” said Samantha Richards, interim president and CEO. “These visitation changes were made after a thorough review of the current COVID-19 pandemic in our area, and our continued response efforts keeping staff, patients and their families at the forefront of our considerations.”

The new visitation guidelines were developed in partnership with leaders across the WVU Medicine system supported by infectious disease specialists and benchmarked best practices.

For more information on COVID-19 and visitor restrictions at WVU Medicine, visit WVUMedicine.org/COVID.