A bold move has been taken by Providence Medical Group to protect patients and caregivers in their Spokane and Stevens County facilities, including the renowned Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. The new visitor policy, effective from January 12, restricts visitors under 18 years of age, with a few notable exceptions.
Let's delve into the details. The policy, last updated on January 7, limits visiting hours to a 12-hour window from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, there's a twist: pediatric, NICU, and labor and delivery units are exempt from this rule. Patients in these units can have up to two visitors simultaneously, unless they are under isolation for COVID-19, flu, RSV, tuberculosis, or similar conditions.
But here's where it gets controversial. Effective immediately, visitors under 18, including siblings, are no longer permitted in the Providence Sacred Heart Children's Hospital. This policy will be re-evaluated in the spring, according to Providence.
Other departments that prohibit visitors under 18 include adult critical care, labor and delivery/family maternity center, antepartum, and post-partum. No exceptions are made for siblings in these areas either.
Now, here's an interesting point: clergy members are recognized as part of the patient's care team and are allowed to visit patients at any time, even outside regular visiting hours.
Providence acknowledges that their guidance may not cover every scenario. They state, "The hospital administrative supervisor and/or administrator on call may make exceptions to it based on the realities of a given situation, using their best judgment to protect patients and caregivers, acting out of compassion for those involved."
So, what do you think about these new visitor policies? Do you believe they strike the right balance between patient safety and compassion? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
