The Polk County Health Department on Friday announced visitor restrictions will be in place once again due to COVID-19.Effective Tuesday, only one support person will be allowed per day for each patient at Broadlawns Medical Center, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and UnityPoint Health.”This isn’t the same circumstance that we were in even a year ago. Delta is much more contagious,” said Dr. Nicole Gilg Gachiani, Broadlawns Medical Center’s chief physician quality officer. “The precautions are not perfect, but all in all every little bit helps. The hospitals are full.” There are some exceptions, however. If a patient is under 18-years-old, they can have two people visit at one time. If someone is preparing to give birth in the maternity ward, a visitor and a birth coach can be by their side. Health care providers say this decision took weeks to make and it was modeled after Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. “It wasn’t an easy decision because we know when people are ill and in the hospital, they need emotional support from family members and those that help to take care of them,” explained Dr. Gary Hemann, MercyOne Des Moines’ chief medical officer. Masking is required at all times in healthcare facilities, including patient rooms.“Designated support persons must be free of any signs of illness and will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19. The designated support person should bring a mask to wear upon entering the hospital or clinic. Individuals at high risk for severe disease should not visit,” health officials said through a news release.
DES MOINES, Iowa —
The Polk County Health Department on Friday announced visitor restrictions will be in place once again due to COVID-19.
Effective Tuesday, only one support person will be allowed per day for each patient at Broadlawns Medical Center, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and UnityPoint Health.
“This isn’t the same circumstance that we were in even a year ago. Delta is much more contagious,” said Dr. Nicole Gilg Gachiani, Broadlawns Medical Center’s chief physician quality officer. “The precautions are not perfect, but all in all every little bit helps. The hospitals are full.”
There are some exceptions, however.
If a patient is under 18-years-old, they can have two people visit at one time. If someone is preparing to give birth in the maternity ward, a visitor and a birth coach can be by their side.
Health care providers say this decision took weeks to make and it was modeled after Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
“It wasn’t an easy decision because we know when people are ill and in the hospital, they need emotional support from family members and those that help to take care of them,” explained Dr. Gary Hemann, MercyOne Des Moines’ chief medical officer.
Masking is required at all times in healthcare facilities, including patient rooms.
“Designated support persons must be free of any signs of illness and will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19. The designated support person should bring a mask to wear upon entering the hospital or clinic. Individuals at high risk for severe disease should not visit,” health officials said through a news release.