KANSAS CITY, Mo. — New visitor restrictions and other preparedness procedures went into effect at HCA Midwest Health locations Thursday to help limit the spread of and exposure to the novel coronavirus.
Thursday, the hospital said the new effort is because "of increasing COVID-19 cases in the region."
HCA said it would not allow any visitors, with the following exceptions:
- One parent or guardian for a pediatric patient to provide support
- One parent or guardian for a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) baby at a time
- One support person for labor and delivery patients throughout her hospital stay
- One support person for those with disabilities or impairments warranting assistance
- One support person/driver for patients in outpatient testing or surgery
- One support person for critically ill patient who may be at end of life
Visitors who are allowed in “must meet screening criteria during each visit to ensure they are not ill or experiencing symptoms when entering the facility,” HCA said.
Kimberly Megow, M.D., chief medical officer at HCA Midwest Health said the “unprecedented times” called for “a collective effort for our community to be selfless and take every precaution by limiting the risk of exposure to patients, staff and physicians.”
Last week, HCA implemented other changes amidst the pandemic.
HCA consolidated entry points at its locations and required patients and visitors to be screened, as well as canceling community events and classes.
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