Albany Med set to expand visitation guidelines
ALBANY, N.Y. » Albany Medical Center Hospital will begin to permit two visitors over 18 years of age to visit patients between 10 a.m. and noon and between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. starting Monday, April 19. Officials note that the two visitors must stay the same for each visiting shift, but two different visitors are allowed for the next shift, meaning a patient could have up to four visitors a day. The expansion from one to two visitors at a time aligns with updated New York State Department of Health guidelines.
“Family members and friends are important partners in a patient’s healing process,” said Albany Med President and CEO Dennis P. McKenna, M.D. “We are glad to welcome more visitors safely back to our campus.”
All hospital patient visitors must enter using the bridge from the 40 New Scotland Ave. parking garage and adhere to the following guidelines:
• Visitors will be screened upon entry for symptoms and fever and travel history.
• Visitors must be wearing surgical masks. Visitors who arrive with cloth masks will be provided with surgical masks.
• Visitors must remain in the patient’s room for the duration of their visit.
• Visitors who fail to follow these guidelines will be asked to leave the hospital.
Exceptions will be made for two support persons to accompany patients in labor and delivery, pediatric patients, and patients with special needs and other limited circumstances. Additional exceptions may be permitted for patients at the end of life. Two visitors may accompany patients in outpatient settings where social distancing can be maintained.