COVID-19
Your health and safety are our top priority.
Effective Monday, November 23, 2020, Nashoba Valley Medical Center will no longer allow visitors in our facility. Exceptions for compassionate and end of life care, and patients under the age of 18, will be made by the nursing supervisor. We feel this is in the best interest of our patients and staff. We will continue to evaluate the progress of the Covid-19 pandemic and adapt accordingly. We appreciate your support as we try to do what is best for the health and safety of our staff and community.
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the United States, Nashoba Valley Medical Center is fully prepared to care for our patients and our community. We are here, as always, to serve all patients. Our commitment to providing care for the ongoing health and well-being of our community is vital, particularly in times like these.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT VISITING RESTRICTIONS
Nashoba Valley Medical Center is fully prepared to care for our patients and our community.
Out of an abundance of caution, effective December 3, 2020, we will implement visitor restrictions. This is in response to the increased presence of COVID-19 in our community and is designed to further protect our patients, their families and our staff.
We remain ready to serve all of your health care needs and have taken the necessary steps to ensure patients can receive care in a safe environment.
Our stringent safety measures include: mandatory wearing of masks, social distancing in waiting areas, and vigilant cleaning in all areas, which includes the use of EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectants validated for use against COVID-19. We also pre-screen all patients scheduled for procedures, and screen everyone before they enter the hospital.
VISITOR RESTRICTIONS EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 3, 2020, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Exceptions may be made in certain circumstances:
Pediatric care: ONE parent/guardian permitted
Maternity and Labor and Delivery Units: ONE significant other/support person permitted
Special Care Nursery: TWO parents/support persons permitted
Other extenuating circumstances (such as hospice and end-of-life care) will also be considered based on the best interest and needs of the individual patient. All exceptions must be approved by the care team.
Please note: For patients with physical and intellectual disabilities, ONE support person over the age of 18 is permitted. Support persons must pass our screening process, and there are no restrictions on visiting hours for support persons
Visitors or caregivers qualifying for these exceptions must:
Meet clinical criteria used for general visitation, i.e., pass COVID-19 screening. The screening includes a temperature and symptom check, at least 24 hours fever free without the use of fever-reducing medications, and improved symptoms.
Use PPE appropriate for the patient they are supporting. In the event the patient is COVID positive, the support person must use hospital-provided PPE.
Wear a face mask for the duration of their visit and are encouraged to bring their own masks; surgical masks will be provided to visitors who don’t have their own. Scarves, bandannas, and handkerchiefs are not allowed. Refusal to wear a mask will result in the revocation of visitation privileges.
Additional Considerations:
Emergency Department/Outpatient Appointments: No visitors will be allowed in these areas or their waiting rooms. Designated exceptions apply with the approval of clinical staff.
Surgical Patients: No visitors unless the parent of a child/minor having a procedure. Certain approved escorts will be allowed in certain circumstances with permission from the care team. Approved escorts will then be asked to wait outside of the hospital until the recovery period is complete and the patient is ready to depart.
While we are sensitive to the difficulties facing loved ones of hospitalized patients, our health care team must keep our patients and staff safe during this unprecedented health emergency.
We encourage family members and friends to use alternative ways to interact with their loved ones, including phone calls, Facetime and Google Duo.
HOSPITAL ENTRANCE RESTRICTIONS
Entrances to the hospital will be restricted to the following entrances only (all other entrances will be locked and available for egress from the facility only or be accessed by badge access for certain personnel):
- Front Entrance: Daily, 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Emergency Department Entrance: 24 hours a day / 7 days a week
Steward Health Care