During the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), hospitals restricted access to medical facilities to prevent potential exposure. Most didn’t allow any visitors or family members to enter with just a few exceptions.
While some hospitals have begun to allow elective procedures, visitor policies have evolved with restrictions on varying levels still in place. With the ongoing need to prevent the spread of COVID-19, many restrictions will remain for the foreseeable future.
Visitor Management Policies Are Evolving
Different facilities have approached safety in different ways. Some hospitals continue to restrict all visitors. Others are restricting non-COVID patients to one visitor but only under certain circumstances, such as visits to the emergency room or for pediatric patients. Most hospitals are restricting emergency room visits to one additional person and pediatric patients to one parent or guardian per day.
Those that are allowing visitors or guests are typically screening them at the door before check-in. This includes answering a panel of questions and doing temperature checks. Anyone displaying signs of potential exposure will be denied entrance. In most facilities, those showing symptoms will be immediately sent for testing. In some cases, hospitals provide color-coded wristbands for people who have been screened.
Once inside, hospitals continue to restrict movement within the facility and expect guests to maintain social distancing. Waiting areas have been reconfigured to avoid people from sitting close together. Special measures have been implemented to isolate COVID-19 patients from other patients. Even during childbirth, most hospitals will have strict delivery room and visitation policies in place to enforce social distancing.
All facilities have put in place additional guidelines. For example, visitors may be limited to a single person during a procedure or stay and are expected to maintain six feet of separation at all times. Almost every hospital is requiring masks for everyone inside the building.
Limiting Access Inside the Hospital
Hospitals are also putting in strict limitations to where visitors can go within the facility to limit potential exposure. At check-in, visitors can be given visitor badges that are coded to provide access only to certain areas. In some cases, visitors may require an escort to designated areas and have their movements restricted without first notifying hospital personnel.
Effective Visitor Management
Regardless of the policy at your facility, having a system to process visitors and guests is crucial to keeping every safe.
PDC Identicard is an expert in visitor management. Our visitor management software, systems, and solutions provide a convenient and customizable safeguard for your people and property. Our safety solutions can record who is on your premises and provide a pleasant visitor experience for your guests.
From visitor passes to more elaborate, yet easy-to-implement visitor management systems, PDC Identicard can recommend the right solution for your needs. As your policies and procedures evolve, our system can adapt to handle your changing needs.
Contact a PDC Identicard expert today.
