Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital sets new visitor restrictions

[December 16, 2020]   Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital will further restrict visitors effective Monday, Nov. 23, in order to protect patients and ensure healthcare professionals can continue to safely offer all services.

The decision was made as part of Memorial Health System’s ongoing efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect patients and healthcare professionals.

Most inpatients, with some limited exceptions, will no longer be allowed to have visitors. In order to support communication, information will be provided to patients and families using telephones or video methods when possible.

The restrictions have already been implemented at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield and Decatur Memorial Hospital and also will take effect Monday at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville and Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

“We are taking this difficult step in order to ensure that we can continue to offer services and continue to care for the community,” said Dr. Raj Govindaiah, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Memorial Health System. “We ask the community to support us by getting flu shots and helping control community spread of COVID-19 by washing your hands, wearing a mask and watching your distance.”

The hospital will allow exceptions with approval in limited circumstances in these instances:

· Emergency Department: One visitor who must remain in the patient’s room for duration of visit.

· Inpatient at end-of-life: Two visitors.

· Inpatient obstetrics: One support person who must be the same person for the duration of the patient’s stay.

· Pediatrics, inpatient and outpatient: Two parents/guardians.

· Surgery/Procedure, inpatient and outpatient: One visitor in the waiting room only for the duration of the surgical procedure.

· Any patient with intellectual and/or developmental disability or cognitive impairments: One support person.

· Outpatient services: Patients being provided outpatient services are encouraged to come alone whenever possible or have visitors wait outside until services are complete.

Everyone who enters the hospital must wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth at all times while in the hospital. Visitors will be screened upon entry to the hospital. Children younger than age 16 are not permitted, unless they are the parent of a child receiving care.

The restrictions will be reviewed as the COVID-19 situation evolves and infection prevention guidance is updated.

[Memorial Health Systems]