No Visitors Allowed For Patients: Atlantic Health Hospitals

NORTH JERSEY — All Atlantic Health System healthcare facilities are restricting visitors due to the rise in COVID cases throughout the state.

As of Dec. 27, no visitors are allowed in any instance, including any confirmed COVID-19 cases or cases that are under investigation, unless they receive prior approval from Atlantic Health’s care team.

This change applies to Chilton, Hackettstown, Newton, Overlook and Morristown medical centers, as well as Goryeb Children’s Hospital.

"Visitation is currently suspended for all patients, with limited exceptions, as per the guidance on our website: https://www.atlantichealth.org/patients-visitors/visiting-hours.html and in accordance with the NJHA’s color coded system," said Luke Margolis, Director of Corporate Communications for Atlantic Health System.

In the cases where visitors, such as support people, are allowed, they must be over 18 years of age in most instances, with visiting hours 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors need to complete a COVID screening that includes a temperature and symptom check; and must wear a face mask and PPE while in the facility. Visitors must also stay within the patient’s room during their stay.

Virtual visits may be allowed and visitors can ask the care team with help to coordinate.

Here is a breakdown from Atlantic Health System's website of visitation rules, along with limited exceptions in each case:

Adult Inpatients

• Visitation is currently suspended. Any exceptions require administrative approval.
• For patients in end-of-life care:
• Two visitors are permitted with administrative approval.
• Visitors may change throughout the day.
• Visitors are not permitted with confirmed COVID-19 patients or persons under investigation for COVID-19, except in cases approved by the physician or care team.

Behavioral Health Patients:

• Permission may be requested for one visitor during the patient’s stay. Visiting hours are between 6:00pm and 8:00pm.
• Approval to visit must be given in advance of the visit by the physician or care team.

Emergency Department Patients:

• One support person will be allowed to accompany an adult patient during the initial assessment period to answer questions and provide information to our care team. The support person may be asked to leave once the information is provided.
• In cases where the patient is cognitively impaired, one support person is permitted. The support person must remain the same for the duration of the visit.
• One parent or designated caregiver of a pediatric patient will be allowed. The support person must remain the same for the duration of the visit.
• Parents who are COVID-19 positive must be asymptomatic to remain with their child. The parent should always wear two hospital issued surgical masks and remain in the patient’s room.

Immunosuppressed Patients:

• No visitors are permitted, except in the cases below:
• One parent or one guardian of pediatric patients is permitted for the duration of the child’s stay.
• One visitor, who must be the same person, is permitted for patients receiving end-of-life care.
• Additional exceptions may apply to pediatrics, labor and delivery, end of life, and patients with intellectual, developmental or cognitive impairment including dementia, communication barriers or behavioral concerns. These require approval by the physician or care team.

Maternity Care Patients:

• One designated support person is permitted during labor and delivery. This person will be given a special wrist band and may remain with the mother throughout her stay.
• One certified doula will be allowed during labor and delivery. This must be the same doula for the duration of the mother’s stay.

Surgery or Procedure Patients:

• If social distancing of six feet can be accomplished, one support person may accompany a patient to answer questions and provide information to our care team. Once the patient is taken to prepare for their procedure, the support person must leave the facility for the duration of the procedure.
• The support person should provide a contact phone number so that the care team can regularly communicate the status of the patient and contact them with ample time to return for pickup.
• If social distancing can be achieved, the same support person may join the patient in recovery and be present to review discharge instructions.

Pediatric Patients:

• One parent or designated caregiver may remain with the child throughout the duration of the pediatric and PICU inpatient hospital stay.
• The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) permits two visitors during visiting hours (8:00am – 10:00pm). Those parents/caregivers will receive special wristbands and must be the same people throughout the patient’s stay.
• Other exceptions, including end-of-life care visitation require approval by the care team.

Support Person During Hospital Discharge:

• To support our patients and their caregivers, a support person may be present to review discharge instructions and education as long as social distancing can be achieved.

According to Atlantic Health, "Exceptions may be made for patients receiving compassionate end-of-life care, pediatric patients, and caregivers for patients with special needs, which may include intellectual, developmental or cognitive impairment including dementia, communication barriers or behavioral concerns. Patients will be asked to provide contact information for a family member or support person who will receive updates on their care."

For more information about Atlantic Health System's current visitation policies and for updates, go to www.atlantichealth.org/patients-visitors/visiting-hours.html and www.atlantichealth.org/patients-visitors/visiting-hours/visitor-instructions.html.

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