Northwestern Medicine starts no-visitor policy across all hospitals

Northwestern Medicine has changed its visitor restrictions and is now implementing a no-visitor policy during the COVID-19 outbreak in its hospitals, according to a news release.
 
For the continued safety of patients, physicians, staff and the community, Northwestern Medicine at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield and at Delnor in Geneva have implemented a no-visitor policy in all inpatient and outpatient care sites.

In cases where this policy may have long-term negative health impacts for the patient, some exceptions may be made, such as for pediatric patients under the age of 18, which will be limited to one visitor or companion age 18 or older.

Other exceptions, which will be limited to one visitor 18 or older for those in compassionate care, including pastoral care visits and end-of-life patients; laboring mothers; patients requiring transportation home after a visit or outpatient visit or procedure; neonatal ICU patients will be allowed two visitors 18 or older, one at a time, according to the release.
 
All patients and visitors will be asked if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or flu.

Visitors indicating or showing signs of illness during this screening process will not be allowed to visit or accompany the patient.

Patients and visitors who complete the screening will be given a badge to proceed.

Patients and visitors without a badge will be asked to return to the screening location to complete their screening.