Visitor policies & hours at LMH Health
Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our patients and staff. As we further return to a pre-pandemic state, we continue adjusting our policies to reflect the current impact of COVID-19 within our communities.
Masks optional in LMH Health facilities
LMH Health has changed masking guidelines for our patients, visitors and associates from required masking to optional masking in most areas of our facilities.
While this is a likely welcome change for many, this does not mean all masking goes away.
- Masks are still recommended. Patients, visitors and associates exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory infection should always wear a mask.
- Some areas will continue to require masking for patient safety. Those areas will be clearly identified with signage.
- Routine transmission-based isolation precautions will remain in place for individuals with certain active infectious diseases (flu, COVID, etc.). These have not changed.
- If a patient requests us to wear a mask, we will do so.
- Please be respectful of those who choose to wear a mask. While CDC masking guidance no longer includes universal masking in healthcare facilities, we continue to encourage masking and respect those who opt to wear a mask to protect themselves and others.
We will adjust masking guidance when needed. Should our community levels change from low or moderate to the high category or if leadership anticipates changes, we will act accordingly and return to stronger masking guidelines.
Visitor guidelines
Hospital
There is no limit on the number of visitors a patient may have, but only two will be allowed in the patient room at one time.
COVID-positive patients
Though we strongly encourage visitors to connect with patients by electronic means whenever possible, COVID-positive patients are permitted to have visitors. It’s important to know that if you choose to visit a COVID patient in person, you do so at your own risk.
- Visitors will put on full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including a gown, gloves, medical mask and eye protection before entering the patient’s room. Due to the highly-transmissible nature of COVID-19, visitors should not remove their PPE while in the patient’s room for the safety of themselves and their loved ones.
- Visitors should social distance while in a COVID-positive patient room, remaining six feet apart from other people.
- Visitors should perform hand hygiene upon room entry and exit.
- Those visiting patients in isolation should not visit other patients in the hospital.
- Children under the age of 12 will not be allowed to visit COVID patients who are in airborne isolation rooms. Exceptions may be made in end-of-life circumstances.
Preferred visiting hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Visitors may enter through the Arkansas Street entrance from:
- Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Visitors will need to enter through the Emergency Department at 325 Maine at all other times.
Clergy are allowed to visit inpatients at any time during their hospital stay and are allowed to visit in addition to a patient's visitors.
Staying connected
We encourage patients to connect with loved ones by electronic means whenever possible. Many phones, tablets and computers have free, easy ways to communicate via video, voice or text. Inpatients can use one of our iPads to connect with their loved ones during their stay.