— Information from Maria Parham Health
Maria Parham Health has lifted its temporary visitor restrictions following a decline in influenza and flu-like illnesses across the community and throughout North Carolina. The change took effect Monday, March 9.
With the restrictions lifted, the hospital has restored its standard visitation hours, visitor limits and age requirements.
“Lifting visitation restrictions at our hospital is an important step for our patients and their recovery,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer of Maria Parham Health. “We’re encouraged to see flu activity declining in our community, and we appreciate the cooperation and understanding shown by our patients, families and staff while these temporary precautions were in place.”
Although visitor restrictions have been lifted, hospital leaders emphasize that protecting vulnerable patients remains a priority. Visitors are asked to continue practicing several important safety measures while in the hospital:
- Stay home if sick, especially if experiencing symptoms of a viral respiratory infection.
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands thoroughly or using hand sanitizer before and after entering patient rooms and throughout the visit.
- Follow masking and respiratory hygiene guidance, including covering coughs and sneezes and following any personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations for patients under standard or isolation precautions.
General visitation hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for most areas, but some departments may have different hours, including the Emergency Department, intensive care and the Women and Infants area.
Children 12 years and older may visit patients; children under 12 may stay in the lobby with a supervising adult. Children may not be unattended in any part of the hospital.
Two visitors at the time are allowed to visit a patient; if the patient is in a private room, one family member may stay overnight, at the discretion of the charge nurse.
If the patient is a minor, however, having a parent or designee spend the night is encouraged.
Family members are allowed to stay overnight in the unit waiting room at the discretion of the charge nurse.
Visit
https://www.mariaparham.com/ for more information.
