WESTON, W.Va. – Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital recently revised visitation guidelines for patients and visitors to accommodate the new health landscape. The following information covers the new general visitation guidelines, including inpatient and surgery procedures, labor and delivery, mother/baby department, emergency department, clinics, and outpatient testing.

Chief Nursing Officer Carole Norton is pleased with the guidelines and noted, “This has been a difficult period for our patients and our staff. We have always tried to accommodate our visitors for the benefit of our patients, but we knew that we had to protect everyone’s health with the visitation guidelines implemented in March. The June guidelines are a little more relaxed, and we hope that they are not too burdensome for our patients.”

Norton explained that, in general, visitors to the hospital should arrive wearing a mask and continue to wear it during their entire stay. Visitors will be screened at the entrance using the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommended questions. All visitors should apply hand sanitizer upon entry and departure from patient rooms. Visitors must be 18 years or older in most situations. The hospital notes that there can be exceptions to visitation hours based on patient condition. Department leaders or the nursing supervisor may evaluate the situation to determine the most appropriate visitation.

Adult inpatients who are admitted to SJMH may designate one consistent visitor throughout their stay during visiting hours. However, there will be no visitors allowed for any patient who is suspected or confirmed for COVID-19. Individuals accompanying surgery patients will be directed by staff regarding where to wait for updates after the procedure.

Labor and delivery, as well as postpartum patients admitted to the hospital, may have one designated support person in labor, delivery, and for the duration of the mother’s hospital stay.

Emergency Department patients may have one person accompanying the patient into the facility/room if needed.  All other visitors must remain in vehicles.

Due to the limited space in waiting rooms, visitors will not be allowed to remain in the waiting areas. If an essential caregiver is needed for assistance, only one person may accompany the patient.