“COVID SAFETY” standards enable an adjustment to visitation protocols during pandemic

Worcester, MA – Saint Vincent Hospital announced today that visitation policies have been adjusted to allow patients one visitor per day during their stay from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm daily. This applies to inpatients who are not COVID positive. Outpatient surgical, procedural patients and patients in the Emergency Room are allowed one visitor as well. ER patients are only allowed a visitor if the patient is in a private room and is not COVID positive or potentially COVID positive. The current visitor policy for the Center for Women and Infants has not changed. Exceptions include end of life situations, patients under the age of 18 and patients who need a support person for cognitive or physical reasons.

“We have done our due diligence and piloted this initial phase of welcoming visitors back to our hospital. Our safety standards are working, and they are designed to offer peace of mind to patients and their loved ones receiving care,” said Saint Vincent Hospital CEO Carolyn Jackson. “As we continue to navigate through this next phase of allowing visitation, nothing is more important to us than ensuring our community has access to safe care. We will continue to monitor our progress and look forward to further expanding visitor access in the coming months.”

Visitors will be screened for symptoms prior to entering the hospital. All Visitors must wear masks during their entire visit and practice social distancing and hand hygiene. Any visitor not meeting screening criteria will not be permitted to enter the hospital.

Saint Vincent Hospital’s COVID SAFETY standards are built upon deep clinical expertise and ongoing management of COVID-19, as well as continuous incorporation of CDC, CMS and state recommendations. They are a rigorous combination of infection prevention processes, training, testing, personal protective equipment and technology. Standards include the following components:

• Rigorous physician and staff protocols
• Heightened sanitization
• Access to COVID-19 testing
• Precautions for patients and visitors
• Enhanced virtual access