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 The restrictions took effect at HSHS St. Mary’s
Hospital and Decatur Memorial Hospital Friday morning. They will
begin at the other seven hospitals at 7 a.m. Saturday, March 21. The
decision was made as part of the hospitals’ ongoing efforts to slow
the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect patients and healthcare
professionals.
Family members and other support persons will be able to call each
hospital for assistance in checking on patients and should give
nursing staff their contact information.
In addition to HSHS St. Mary’s, the other affected HSHS Illinois
hospitals are HSHS St. John’s Hospital, Springfield; HSHS Good
Shepherd Hospital, Shelbyville; and HSHS St. Francis Hospital,
Litchfield.
Memorial Health System’s five hospitals are Memorial Medical Center,
Springfield; Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Lincoln;
Decatur Memorial Hospital; Passavant Area Hospital, Jacksonville;
and Taylorville Memorial Hospital.
The new guidelines are as follows:
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One support person will be allowed per patient in the maternity
department. This must be the same person for the duration of the
patient’s stay.
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Patients undergoing surgery are permitted one support person
over the age of 18.
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Patients undergoing emergency care are permitted one support
person over the age of 18.
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Visitors under the age of 18 continue to be prohibited, unless
they are the parent of a child receiving care.
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Pediatric inpatients may have one parent or guardian as their
support person.
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Patients reporting for outpatient services should ask their
support person to wait in the car until the visit is over.
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Exemptions are also permitted for patients on end-of-life care.
Please call the appropriate hospital (see list below) for
guidance in specific situations.
The two health systems will also implement a
screening process for anyone entering its hospitals. People entering
will have their temperature checked with a forehead scan
thermometer.
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Individuals will not be allowed to enter if their
temperature is above 100.4 F or if they display symptoms of acute
respiratory illness, including coughing, shortness of breath and
sore throat.
“We understand this no-visitor restriction is extremely difficult,
especially for those who have loved ones in the hospital with severe
health issues,” said E.J. Kuiper, HSHS Illinois president and CEO.
“But along with many other hospitals across the nation, we are
taking this step to keep our patients, colleagues and community as
safe as possible.”
“Our priority throughout our health system is to ensure the safety
and health of our patients come first,” said Ed Curtis, president
and CEO of Memorial Health System. “Along with that, we are
committed to protecting the health of our colleagues who have
tirelessly dedicated themselves to their patients. I am grateful for
their commitment and sacrifice.”
Family members and friends can call hospitals for assistance at the
following numbers. Each hospital will also have limited access at
designated entrances.
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Lincoln: 217-732-2161. Main
Lobby and Emergency entrances open.
Decatur Memorial Hospital: 217-876-2003. Kirkland and Emergency
entrances open.
HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital, Shelbyville: 217-774-3961. Main Lobby
and Emergency entrances open.
Memorial Medical Center, Springfield: 217-788-3000. Main Lobby and
Emergency entrances open.
HSHS St. Francis Hospital, Litchfield: 217-324-2191. Everyone must
enter through the emergency department ambulance bay.
HSHS St. John’s Hospital, Springfield: 217-544-6464. Main Lobby,
Women and Children’s Center Lobby and Emergency Department entrances
open.
HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur: 217-464-2966. Main Lobby and
Emergency Department entrances open.
Passavant Area Hospital, Jacksonville: 217-245-9541. Main Lobby and
Emergency West entrances open.
Taylorville Memorial Hospital: 217-707-5555. Main Lobby, South
Entrance and Emergency entrances open.
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