Further Visitation Restrictions in Effect at UR Medicine Hospitals

Due to the ongoing presence of COVID-19 in our community, we are maintaining the following visitor restrictions until it is deemed safe to return to a more traditional visitation policy. 

Restrictions:

• Zero visitors for inpatients at Strong Memorial and Highland hospitals
• Exception: one visitor for pediatric patients, obstetrics patients in labor
• Technology tools keep patients, families connected
• Outpatient visits: maximum of one support person, when required

UR Medicine hospitals, following advice from the Monroe County Department of Health, implemented zero-visitation restrictions on March 16 to help protect patients, visitors, and staff from the spread of COVID-19. Limited visitation remains for pediatric patients and patients in labor, and in rare cases exceptions will be made – but virtually all in-person visits to adult patients at UR Medicine hospitals will cease until it is deemed safe to return to a more traditional visitation policy. 

The health system will continue to assess when it’s safe to lift the temporary restrictions, depending on the severity of COVID-19 in the community. In the meantime, hospital staff are reaching out to support patients and families, and will employ video technology and other communication tools to help patients stay connected with loved ones.

“Circumstances have forced us to make decisions that are emotionally painful for our patients, their loved ones, and all of us who are caring for them,” said Karen Davis, Chief Nurse Executive for UR Medicine and Chief Nursing Officer for Strong Memorial Hospital.

“Our primary goal at UR Medicine is to provide the very best quality of care in an environment that is safe for everyone. To protect our patients, their loved ones, and our caregivers, we must manage their exposure to any illnesses that are easily spread.”

Pediatric patients will be allowed one designated parent/guardian visitor, and patients in labor can have one support person with them during childbirth and throughout the post-partum period until discharge. Once the support person arrives on the unit, they will be screened for symptoms, including temperature. Those with symptoms will be asked to leave the hospital. These screening measures will be completed twice daily throughout the hospitalization. The support person MUST remain with the patient continually and cannot leave the patient’s room without the patient at any time. Please note, there will be NO exceptions – this includes leaving to smoke or get food. If someone smokes, it is recommended to bring nicotine replacement with them.

Along with the limitation on inpatient visits, UR Medicine has requested a maximum of one caregiver, when required, for patients at outpatient facilities.