CHI to allow one visitor per patient

CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs said Friday it has updated its visitation policies to now allow one visitor per non-COVID-19 patient.

CHI St. Vincent system facilities paused visitation in March as part of the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic to minimize the risk of infection to patients, visitors and health care staff, according to a news release.

“With the resumption of elective procedures and additional precautions to ensure the ongoing safety of patients and health care staff, a single visitor will now be permitted at the Hot Springs and Morrilton hospitals,” the release reads. “The updated policy applies to non-COVID-19 patients only.”

CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs President Dr. Douglas Ross said in the release the hospital

understands patients are experiencing a difficult time during the pandemic, but they now have “necessary precautions” in place so they can now have visitors to “provide the support they need and deserve.”

“We’re thankful for the support our healing ministry has received from our community as we’ve taken steps over the past few months to ensure that our health care staff can continue to deliver compassionate care in the safest way possible for all concerned,” Ross said.

Visitors will still be required to undergo a temperature screening upon entering and adhere to existing safety precautions, including universal masking policies and staying inside the patient’s room the entire duration of their visit, the release states. No visitor with fever, cough, sore throat or other flu-like symptoms will be permitted inside the hospital.

National Park Medical Center also implemented a “zero-visitor” protocol due to the pandemic. Some exceptions may apply including pediatric patients, obstetric patients and those receiving end-of-life care.