No routine visitors allowed until further notice
Because of the rise in COVID-19 cases and to protect patients, staff and the community, Edward-Elmhurst Health (EEH) is restricting routine visitation at all of its locations, effective Tuesday, Dec. 28.
- No routine visitors will be allowed in EEH hospitals (Edward Hospital, Elmhurst Hospital, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health) or other settings until further notice.
- Adult patients with an appointment or visiting EEH physician offices, ambulatory care centers, emergency departments or immediate cares must come alone.
- Companions or Care Partners who remain must wait in their vehicle.
- Exceptions for approved Care Partners will be taken into consideration.
- All public areas of EEH’s buildings, including cafes, coffee shops, gift shops and common waiting areas, will be closed to patients and approved Care Partners.
Exceptions for specific patient populations:
- Pediatric patients
o Minors (under age 18) at an outpatient appointment or Emergency Department or Immediate Care visit may be accompanied by one parent or legal guardian.
o Pediatric inpatients, including patients on the general Pediatric Unit, PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit), NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit), Special Care Nursery and patients under the age of 18, may have two parents/legal guardians present.
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
o Routine visitors are not allowed in the ICU.
o The need for visitors based on extenuating circumstances, such as end of life or a significant change in status, will be determined by staff.
- Mother-Baby/Labor and Delivery
o Patients may have one Care Partner.
o If the patient is diagnosed with COVID-19 or awaiting test results, the Care Partner must remain in the patient’s room for the duration of the visit.
- Extenuating circumstances
- If the visit or appointment cannot be completed without the presence of a Care Partner because of a patient’s physical or mental condition, or other limitations, an exception may be made.
- Exceptions will be managed by the leadership of each department.
Care Partners who have been approved due to extenuating circumstances must meet the following requirements:
- Pass a visitor screening upon entry
- No active COVID infection
- No exposure to COVID in the last 14 days
- Comply with all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), physical distancing and hand hygiene requirements. Must wear a mask covering their nose and mouth at all times. Care Partners or visitors refusing to comply will be asked to leave.
- Remain in the patient’s room at all times
For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org. To discuss a potential exception, contact staff caring for the patient or call EEH Patient Experience at (331) 221-0196.
