Visitation Policies

Visitation Policy

(Effective October 3, 2022)

ENTRANCES AND HOURS

• Hospital Visiting Hours
  • 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week
• Outpatient Colonial Lobby Entrance
  • 5:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday – Friday
• ICU Visiting Hours
  • 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  • 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
  • 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
  • 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

HOSPITAL VISITATION RULES

• No visitor who is ill, sick, frail, or at-risk (i.e. immunocompromised or serious chronic illness).
• No children will be permitted. Visitors must be 12 years of age or older. Visitors must be 18 years or older in the ICU, Women and Children’s Unit, and the Cancer Center.  

Patients are allowed two visitors at a time. We trust you to help us keep our patients safe. Any non-patient who has shortness of breath, fever, cough, or has been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or is being tested for it should not enter Forrest Health facilities.

Inpatients under suspicion for or diagnosed with COVID-19:

• No inpatient visitors.
• Rare exceptions will be made in end-of-life and special circumstances, such as when the visitor is essential for the patient’s emotional well-being and health. The facility’s Vice Presidents or delegate must approve any exceptions.

Exceptions: Inpatient not under suspicion of COVID-19 who have been tested for screening will be permitted two visitors  unless stated otherwise below. 

Non-COVID-19 inpatients (all hospital departments, excluding obstetrics, pediatrics, L&D, and NICU) AND outpatients (of all physician practices, rehab, imaging, and all outpatient locations):

• Inpatients: Two patient visitors are permitted at a time. The visitors must wear a facemask. One overnight visitor is allowed.
• ICU patients: Two visitors will be permitted at a time during specified visiting hours. No swapping within the hour. Visitors must be 18 years of age or older
• Inpatient surgery patients: Two visit per day are permitted at a time for the patient’s pre-op and post-op visit. One overnight visitor is allowed.
• Outpatient surgery patients: Two visitors are permitted during the procedure, for post-surgery discussion, and for assistance with discharge.
  • If, during clinical assessment, the patient becomes a person under investigation for COVID-19 or COVID-19 testing is being considered, we will take the visitor’s name and contact number and request that the visitor leave the facility and wait in their vehicle. All future communications with that visitor will be over the telephone or via IPAD teleconference. Hospital leadership will approve on-site visitor of patients who test positive for COVID-19 in special circumstances only.
• Obstetrics, Labor & Delivery, Pediatric Inpatients, and NICU: Enter through the fourth floor Women and Children’s entrance.
  • Patients will be limited to two visitors per patient. 
  • No visitor who is ill sick, frail, elderly, or at-risk (i.e. immunocompromised or serious chronic illness).
  • No children will be permitted. Visitors must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Visitors must wear facemasks at all times inside the unit, only removing their mask to eat. We strongly encourage visitors to wear their own masks so that we can preserve our supplies for staff and clinical workers.
• Inpatient/Outpatient Rehab Center: Two patient visitors are permitted at a time. Visitors must wear a facemask. 
• Skilled Nursing Facility (SNU) patients: Follow long-term care visitation guidelines below. Screening will take place at the entrance of the SNU facility.
  • FGH is allowing visitation at all long term care facilities, including skilled-nursing, personal care, and assisted and independent settings. Visitors must check-in at the nurses’ station on the unit. Temperature checks as well as screening and questionnaire regarding COVID-19 will be performed prior to going to a patient room. All visitors must wear a mask and perform hand hygiene prior to entering a patient’s room. Visitors are encouraged to check out at the nurses’ station after their visit. Currently, the unit is allowing two visitors at a time.
• Behavioral Health Services (Pine Grove Behavioral Health Center and all inpatient behavioral health settings):
  • Visitors to Pine Grove are allowed on a pre-approved basis in accordance with the guidelines of a patient’s specific treatment program and the recommendations of Pine Grove’s clinical staff. For additional questions, please call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673), and visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com for more information about our programs and services.
• Emergency Department:
  • One visitor at a time will be permitted in the Emergency Room with the patient. Others will be allowed to wait in the waiting area as space for social distancing permits. 
• Cancer Center:
  • Two visitors are permitted per patient at Forrest General’s Cancer Center. No children are permitted. Visitors must be 18 years of age or older. No visitors are allowed in the treatment areas. 

SPECIAL ESSENTIAL PROVIDERS AND VENDORS

Providers deemed essential to a patient’s care and wellbeing, and vendors necessary for patient care and/or hospital operations, may enter facilities. Those granted access must follow the same guidelines as all permitted visitors.

The following guidelines will apply:

•  Clergy and Pastoral Care
  • Ongoing access to spiritual and pastoral care is considered an essential part of our patients’ care. FGH-employed chaplains continue to provide care on-site as usual, following our standard precautions. Local clergy and chaplains are permitted on-site to visit individuals from their religious communities and exercise the same precautions.
  • Patients may receive religious services from the religious leader of their choice during visitation hours, if it can be provided without disruption to care. Religious leaders will not count as the patient’s visitor.
  • End-Of-Life visitation is permitted and visiting hours restrictions do not apply, if it can be provided without disruption to care.
  • Clergy who wish to visit with a patient being tested or suspected for COVID-19 or has a positive COVID-19 test result must wear personal protective equipment. Clinical staff will monitor the duration of the visit to reduce the amount of exposure to the clergy visitor.
• Hospice and Home Care Providers
  • Hospice and home care providers may be essential health care providers at long-term care settings where nursing and clinical staff are not providing around-the-clock care, such as independent and assisted living and personal care.
  • Hospice providers are additionally essential in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals when delivering direct patient care.
• End of Life – Physician meetings with family
  • When there is an end of life situation/physician meeting with family, up to six visitors will be allowed per day with a maximum of six at the same time with an option to swap out.
  • Any minors will be counted as a visitor.
• Post Acute Care Liaisons
  • Liaisons from non FGH post-acute facilties, (TCM nurses) such as long-term acute care, acute rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facilities, are restricted from working on-site in FGH facilities.
    • During this time, post acute liaisons should continue to work closely with FGH case managers and/or social workers using virtual electronic and telephonic methods to ensure patients transition safely and efficiently to the next level of care. 
    • Liaisons employed by FGH facilities  will continue to work with their direct leadership on any changes to their work processes or environment. 
• Vendors/Dock Deliveries
  • Only vendors providing services deemed essential will be able to enter FGH facilities via loading docks. Suppliers that are deemed essential and provided facility access via the loading dock, will follow our facility entrance screening procedure, either at the dock or main facility entrance. Essential non-FGH delivery personnel are required to wear an FGH-provided facemask while in the facility.
  • All other vendors will stage their deliveries at the loading dock as instructed by each facility. An FGH employee who has already been clinically screened for the day will then deliver internally.
  • Vendors must be fully credentialed before entering any of our facilities.
• Other
  Other essential on-site direct care and support providers may include:
  • Adult Protective Services (APS).
  • Children and Youth Services (CYS).
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
  • Legal counsel, attorneys, when needed.
  • Other, as approved by local command center.
  • Police, when needed.
  • Specialty pharmacies and durable medical equipment (DME) providers, for discharges.

CAFETERIA, RESTROOM, GIFT SHOP, AND OTHER COMMON AREAS
Commons areas such as the cafeteria, restroom, gift shop, and other common areas no longer have restrictions.

Visitation Policy

(Effective October 3, 2022)

ENTRANCES AND HOURS

• Hospital Visiting Hours 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week
  • Front lobby entrance is open for visitation daily 6am-7pm.
  • Outpatient and MOB Entrances will be open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.
  • Emergency Room entrance is the only entrance open after hours and holidays.

• ICU Visiting Hours
  • 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
  • 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  • 6 p.m. – 7p.m.

HOSPITAL VISITATION RULES

• Mask or face shields will be required to be worn by all visitors.
• No visitor who is ill, sick, frail, or at-risk (i.e. immunocompromised or serious chronic illness).
• No children under the age of 12 will be permitted to visit unless prior approved by administration for extenuating circumstances.
• Only 2 visitors at one time will be allowed in patient rooms.
• Only 1 visitor will be allowed to stay overnight with the patient.
• Cafeteria will be open to the public.

IN-PERSON MEDICAL RECORDS

To protect our patients, visitors and staff, Forrest Health’s Health Information Management (HIM) department requests that patient’s contact them prior to coming into the hospital. Patients can request records via Iris or call 601-358-9460 to receive instructions for the retrieving the documentation.

INPATIENTS AND OUTPATIENTS

We trust you to help us keep our patients safe. Any non-patient who has shortness of breath, fever, cough, or has been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or is being tested for it should not enter Forrest Health facilities.

Inpatients under suspicion for or diagnosed with COVID-19:

• No inpatient visitors.
• Exceptions will be made in end-of-life and special circumstances, such as when the visitor is essential for the patient’s emotional well-being and health. The Facility’s Administrator, CNO, House Supervisor, and/or designee must approve any exceptions.

• Labor & Delivery and Pediatric Inpatients: 
  • L&D Inpatients: Patients will be allowed 2 support persons during labor.  When patient moves to post-partum, they will be expected to follow the inpatient guidelines for visitors (2 visitors at a time).
  • Peds: Visitors will be limited to two people at all times per patient (i.e. parents, guardians).
  • Visitors must wear facemasks at all times inside the unit, only removing their mask to eat.
  • Visitors MUST be 12 years of age or above.

SPECIAL ESSENTIAL PROVIDERS AND VENDORS

Providers deemed essential to a patient’s care and wellbeing, and vendors necessary for patient care and/or hospital operations, may enter facilities.

The following guidelines will apply:

Clergy and Pastoral Care

• Ongoing access to spiritual and pastoral care is considered an essential part of our patients’ care. Local clergy and chaplains are permitted on-site to visit individuals from their religious communities and exercise the same precautions.

Hospice Providers

• Hospice providers are additionally essential in hospitals when delivering direct patient care.

End of Life – Physician meetings with family

• When there is an end of life situation/physician meeting with family, up to six visitors will be allowed at the same time.
• Any minors will be counted as a visitor.

Post-Acute Liaisons

• During this time, post-acute liaisons should continue to work closely with HCH case managers and/or social workers and are encouraged to utilize virtual electronic and telephonic methods to ensure patients transition safely and efficiently to the next level of care.

Vendors / Dock Deliveries

• All vendors are required to wear mask and/or face shields upon entering the facility.

Other
Other essential on-site direct care and support providers may include:

• Adult Protective Services (APS).
• Children and Youth Services (CYS).
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
• Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH)
• Legal counsel, attorneys, when needed.
• Other, as approved by local command center.
• Police, when needed.

• Specialty pharmacies and durable medical equipment (DME) providers, for discharges.

Visitation Policy

(Effective October 3, 2022)

ENTRANCES AND HOURS

Hospital Visiting Hours 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week

HOSPITAL VISITATION RULES

• Individuals should not visit if they are ill, sick, frail, or at-risk (i.e. immunocompromised or serious chronic illness).
• No children will be permitted. Visitors must be 12 years of age or older.

We trust you to help us keep our patients safe. Any visitor who has shortness of breath, fever, cough, or has been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or is being tested for it should not enter Forrest Health facilities.

IN-PERSON MEDICAL RECORDS

To protect our patients, visitors and staff, Forrest Health’s Health Information Management (HIM) department requests that patient’s contact them prior to coming into the hospital. Patients can request records via Iris or call 601-792-1248 to receive instructions for the retrieving the documentation. 

INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT VISITATION, ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

All hospitals and facilities will follow these guidelines.

Inpatients and outpatients that ARE under suspicion for or diagnosed with COVID-19:

• No visitors.
• Rare exceptions will be made in end-of-life and special circumstances, such as when the visitor is essential for the patient’s emotional well-being and health. The facility’s Administrator or delegate must approve any exceptions.

Inpatients and outpatients that ARE NOT under suspicion for or diagnosed with COVID-19, including inpatients who have been tested for COVID-19 for screening purposes only:

• Two visitors are permitted at a time. The visitors must wear a facemask.
• Disabled Visitors: If a visitor is in need of assistance due to a disability then they will be allowed an escort to go up to visitation with them.
• Overnight visitation is limited to one individual per room.

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

• One visitor is permitted during the visit. For pediatric patients, the same two visitors are allowed (parents or guardians) for the duration of the ED visit.
• No swapping.
• Rare exceptions will be made in end-of-life and special circumstances, such as when the visitor is essential for the patient’s emotional well-being and health. The facility’s Administrator or delegate must approve any exceptions.

ESSENTIAL PROVIDERS AND VENDORS, ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

Providers deemed essential to a patient’s care and wellbeing, and vendors necessary for patient care and/or hospital operations, may enter facilities in some circumstances. Those granted access must follow the same screening guidelines as all permitted visitors.  The following guidelines will apply:

Clergy and Pastoral Care

• Ongoing access to spiritual and pastoral care is considered an essential part of our patients’ care. Local clergy and chaplains are permitted on-site to visit individuals from their religious communities and exercise our standard precautions.
• Like all employees and visitors who enter FGH facilities, local clergy will be screened upon entry. If screening temporarily restricts a member of the clergy from entry, they are encouraged to identify an alternate person who may provide the needed pastoral visitation.
• Patients may receive religious services from the religious leader of their choice during visitation hours, if it can be provided without disruption to care. Religious leaders will not count as the patient’s visitor.
• End-Of-Life visitation is permitted and visiting hours restrictions do not apply, if it can be provided without disruption to care.  
• Clergy who wish to visit with a patient being tested or suspected for COVID-19 or has a positive COVID-19 test result must wear personal protective equipment.  Clinical staff will monitor the duration of the visit to reduce the amount of exposure to the clergy visitor.

End of Life – physician meetings with family

• When there is an end of life situation/physician meeting with family, a maximum of six visitors at the same time will be allowed.
• Any minors will be counted as a visitor.

Post-Acute Liaisons

• Liaisons from non-Forrest Health post-acute facilities, (TCM Nurses) such as long-term acute care, acute rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facilities, are restricted from working on-site in our facilities.
• During this time, post-acute liaisons should continue to work closely with our case managers and/or social workers using virtual electronic and telephonic methods to ensure patients transition safely and efficiently to the next level of care.

Other, which may include:

• Adult Protective Services (APS).
• Children and Youth Services (CYS).
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
• Legal counsel, attorneys, when needed.
• Other, as approved by local command center.
• Police, when needed.
• Specialty pharmacies and durable medical equipment (DME) providers, for discharges.

Vendors / Dock Deliveries

• Only vendors providing services deemed essential will be able to enter our facilities via loading docks. Suppliers that are deemed essential and provided facility access via the loading dock will follow our facility entrance screening procedure, either at the dock or main facility entrance.
• Essential non-Forrest Health delivery personnel are encouraged to wear a hospital provided facemask while in the facility but must wear a facemask of some sort at minimum.
• All other vendors will stage their deliveries at the loading dock as instructed by the facility and an employee who has already been clinically screened for the day will then deliver internally.

CAFETERIA, RESTROOM, GIFT SHOP, AND OTHER COMMON AREAS:

• Visitors may visit these areas as their reason for entering the building.
• Individuals in these areas should maintain social distancing. Thus, the number of individuals able to gather in common areas may need to be limited to maintain social distancing.  
• The visitors must wear a facemask.
• Off-duty employees should be allowed access to these areas. However, employees must have their badge in order to enter.  No additional visitors or children can accompany employees.

Visitation Policy

(Effective October 3, 2022)

ENTRANCES AND HOURS

Hospital Visiting Hours 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week

HOSPITAL VISITATION RULES

• Individuals should not visit if they are ill, sick, frail, or at-risk (i.e. immunocompromised or serious chronic illness).
• No children will be permitted. Visitors must be 12 years of age or older.

We trust you to help us keep our patients safe. Any visitor who has shortness of breath, fever, cough, or has been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or is being tested for it should not enter Forrest Health facilities.

IN-PERSON MEDICAL RECORDS

To protect our patients, visitors and staff, Forrest Health’s Health Information Management (HIM) department requests that patient’s contact them prior to coming into the hospital. Patients can request records via Iris or call 601-740-2189 to receive instructions for the retrieving the documentation.

INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT VISITATION, ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

All hospitals and facilities will follow these guidelines.

Inpatients and outpatients that ARE under suspicion for or diagnosed with COVID-19:

• No visitors.
• Rare exceptions will be made in end-of-life and special circumstances, such as when the visitor is essential for the patient’s emotional well-being and health. The facility’s Administrator or delegate must approve any exceptions.

Inpatients and outpatients that ARE NOT under suspicion for or diagnosed with COVID-19, including inpatients who have been tested for COVID-19 for screening purposes only:

• Two visitors are permitted at a time. The visitors must wear a facemask.
• Disabled Visitors: If a visitor is in need of assistance due to a disability then they will be allowed an escort to go up to visitation with them.
• Overnight visitation is limited to one individual per room.

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

• One visitor is permitted during the visit. For pediatric patients, the same two visitors are allowed (parents or guardians) for the duration of the ED visit.
• No swapping.
• Rare exceptions will be made in end-of-life and special circumstances, such as when the visitor is essential for the patient’s emotional well-being and health. The facility’s Administrator or delegate must approve any exceptions.

ESSENTIAL PROVIDERS AND VENDORS, ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

Providers deemed essential to a patient’s care and wellbeing, and vendors necessary for patient care and/or hospital operations, may enter facilities in some circumstances. Those granted access must follow the same screening guidelines as all permitted visitors.  The following guidelines will apply:

Clergy and Pastoral Care

• Ongoing access to spiritual and pastoral care is considered an essential part of our patients’ care. Local clergy and chaplains are permitted on-site to visit individuals from their religious communities and exercise our standard precautions.
• Like all employees and visitors who enter FGH facilities, local clergy will be screened upon entry. If screening temporarily restricts a member of the clergy from entry, they are encouraged to identify an alternate person who may provide the needed pastoral visitation.
• Patients may receive religious services from the religious leader of their choice during visitation hours, if it can be provided without disruption to care. Religious leaders will not count as the patient’s visitor.
• End-Of-Life visitation is permitted and visiting hours restrictions do not apply, if it can be provided without disruption to care.  
• Clergy who wish to visit with a patient being tested or suspected for COVID-19 or has a positive COVID-19 test result must wear personal protective equipment.  Clinical staff will monitor the duration of the visit to reduce the amount of exposure to the clergy visitor.

End of Life – physician meetings with family

• When there is an end of life situation/physician meeting with family, a maximum of six visitors at the same time will be allowed.
• Any minors will be counted as a visitor.

Post-Acute Liaisons

• Liaisons from non-Forrest Health post-acute facilities, (TCM Nurses) such as long-term acute care, acute rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facilities, are restricted from working on-site in our facilities.
• During this time, post-acute liaisons should continue to work closely with our case managers and/or social workers using virtual electronic and telephonic methods to ensure patients transition safely and efficiently to the next level of care.

Other, which may include:

• Adult Protective Services (APS).
• Children and Youth Services (CYS).
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
• Legal counsel, attorneys, when needed.
• Other, as approved by local command center.
• Police, when needed.
• Specialty pharmacies and durable medical equipment (DME) providers, for discharges.

Vendors / Dock Deliveries

• Only vendors providing services deemed essential will be able to enter our facilities via loading docks. Suppliers that are deemed essential and provided facility access via the loading dock will follow our facility entrance screening procedure, either at the dock or main facility entrance.
• Essential non-Forrest Health delivery personnel are encouraged to wear a hospital provided facemask while in the facility but must wear a facemask of some sort at minimum.
• All other vendors will stage their deliveries at the loading dock as instructed by the facility and an employee who has already been clinically screened for the day will then deliver internally.

CAFETERIA, RESTROOM, GIFT SHOP, AND OTHER COMMON AREAS:

• Visitors may visit these areas as their reason for entering the building.
• Individuals in these areas should maintain social distancing. Thus, the number of individuals able to gather in common areas may need to be limited to maintain social distancing.  
• The visitors must wear a facemask.
• Off-duty employees should be allowed access to these areas. However, employees must have their badge in order to enter.  No additional visitors or children can accompany employees.

Visitation Policy

(Effective October 3, 2022)

ENTRANCES AND HOURS

• Hospital Visiting Hours 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week
  • Front lobby entrance is open for visitation daily 6am-7pm.
  • Emergency Room entrance is the only entrance open after hours and holidays.

HOSPITAL VISITATION RULES

• Mask or face shields will be required to be worn by all visitors.
• No visitor who is ill, sick, frail, or at-risk (i.e. immunocompromised or serious chronic illness).
• No children under the age of 12 will be permitted to visit unless prior approved by administration for extenuating circumstances.
• Only 2 visitors at one time will be allowed in patient rooms.
• Only 1 visitor will be allowed to stay overnight with the patient.

INPATIENTS AND OUTPATIENTS

We trust you to help us keep our patients safe. Any non-patient who has shortness of breath, fever, cough, or has been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or is being tested for it should not enter Forrest Health facilities.

Patients under suspicion for or diagnosed with COVID-19:

• No visitors.
• Exceptions will be made in end-of-life and special circumstances, such as when the visitor is essential for the patient’s emotional well-being and health. The Facility’s Administrator, CNO, and/or designee must approve any exceptions.

Pediatric ED Patients: 

Visitors will be limited to two people at all times per patient (i.e. parents, guardians).

• Visitors must wear facemasks at all times inside the unit, only removing their mask to eat.
• Visitors MUST be 12 years of age or above.

SPECIAL ESSENTIAL PROVIDERS AND VENDORS

Providers deemed essential to a patient’s care and wellbeing, and vendors necessary for patient care and/or hospital operations, may enter facilities.

The following guidelines will apply:

Clergy and Pastoral Care

• Ongoing access to spiritual and pastoral care is considered an essential part of our patients’ care. Local clergy and chaplains are permitted on-site to visit individuals from their religious communities and exercise the same precautions.

Hospice Providers

• Hospice providers are additionally essential in hospitals when delivering direct patient care.

End of Life – Physician meetings with family

• When there is an end of life situation/physician meeting with family, up to six visitors will be allowed at the same time.
• Any minors will be counted as a visitor.

Post-Acute Liaisons

• During this time, post-acute liaisons should continue to work closely with HCH case managers and/or social workers and are encouraged to utilize virtual electronic and telephonic methods to ensure patients transition safely and efficiently to the next level of care.

Vendors / Dock Deliveries

• All vendors are required to wear mask and/or face shields upon entering the facility.

Other
Other essential on-site direct care and support providers may include:

• Adult Protective Services (APS).
• Children and Youth Services (CYS).
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
• Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH)
• Legal counsel, attorneys, when needed.
• Other, as approved by local command center.
• Police, when needed.
• Specialty pharmacies and durable medical equipment (DME) providers, for discharges.

Visitation Policy

(Effective October 3, 2022)

ENTRANCES AND HOURS

Hospital Visiting Hours 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week

HOSPITAL VISITATION RULES

• Individuals should not visit if they are ill, sick, frail, or at-risk (i.e. immunocompromised or serious chronic illness).
• Patients will be allowed 2 visitors at a time. Visitors must be 12 years of age or older.
• Inpatients will be allowed one overnight visitor

IN-PERSON MEDICAL RECORDS

To protect our patients, visitors and staff, Forrest Health’s Health Information Management (HIM) department requests that patient’s contact them prior to coming into the hospital. Patients can request records via Iris or call 795-4543 ext. 2107 to receive instructions for the retrieving the documentation.

INPATIENTS AND OUTPATIENTS

Patients are allowed 2 visitors at a time.

We trust you to help us keep our patients safe. Any visitor who has shortness of breath, fever, cough, or has been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or is being tested for it should not enter Forrest Health facilities.

 Inpatients and outpatients (including ER) that ARE under suspicion for or diagnosed with COVID-19:

• No visitors.
• Rare exceptions will be made in end-of-life and special circumstances, such as when the visitor is essential for the patient’s emotional well-being and health. The facility’s Administrator or delegate must approve any exceptions.

Exception: Patients not under suspicion of COVID who have been tested for screening purposes will be allowed visitors per the above guidelines

Emergency Department, Additional Guidance

• Two visitors at a time will be permitted in the Emergency Room with the patient. Others will be allowed to wait in the waiting area as space for social distancing permits. Masks are required at all times.
• Exceptions will be made in end-of-life and special circumstances. The facility’s Administrator or delegate must approve any exceptions.

ESSENTIAL PROVIDERS AND VENDORS, ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

Providers deemed essential to a patient’s care and wellbeing, and vendors necessary for patient care and/or hospital operations, may enter facilities.  The following guidelines will apply:

 Clergy and Pastoral Care

• Ongoing access to spiritual and pastoral care is considered an essential part of our patients’ care. Local clergy and chaplains are permitted on-site to visit per patient or patient’s family request.
• Patients may receive religious services from the religious leader of their choice during visitation hours, if it can be provided without disruption to care. Religious leaders will not count as the patient’s visitor.
• End-Of-Life visitation is permitted and visiting hours restrictions do not apply, if it can be provided without disruption to care.  
• Clergy who wish to visit with a patient being tested or suspected for COVID-19 or has a positive COVID-19 test result must wear personal protective equipment.  Clinical staff will monitor the duration of the visit to reduce the amount of exposure to the clergy visitor.

End of Life – physician meetings with family

• When there is an end of life situation/physician meeting with family, up to six visitors will be allowed at the same time and may swap out as needed as long as patient care is not interrupted.
• Any minors will be counted as a visitor.

 Post-Acute Liaisons

• Liaisons from non-Forrest Health post-acute facilities, (TCM Nurses) such as long-term acute care, acute rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facilities, are allowed in our facilities.

Other, which may include:

• Adult Protective Services (APS).
• Children and Youth Services (CYS).
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
• Legal counsel, attorneys, when needed.
• Other, as approved by local command center.
• Police, when needed.
• Specialty pharmacies and durable medical equipment (DME) providers, for discharges.

 VENDORS / DOCK DELIVERIES

• Only vendors providing services deemed essential will be able to enter our facilities via loading docks. Essential non-FGH delivery personnel are encouraged to wear an FGH-provided facemask while in the facility.

Visitation Policy

(Effective October 3, 2022)

ENTRANCES AND HOURS

Hospital Visiting Hours 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week

HOSPITAL VISITATION RULES

• Individuals should not visit if they are ill, sick, frail, or at-risk (i.e. immunocompromised or serious chronic illness).
• No children will be permitted. Visitors must be 12 years of age or older.

We trust you to help us keep our patients safe. Any visitor who has shortness of breath, fever, cough, or has been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or is being tested for it should not enter Forrest Health facilities.

IN-PERSON MEDICAL RECORDS

To protect our patients, visitors and staff, Forrest Health’s Health Information Management (HIM) department requests that patient’s contact them prior to coming into the hospital. Patients can request records via Iris or call 601-876-0430 to receive instructions for the retrieving the documentation.

INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT VISITATION, ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

All hospitals and facilities will follow these guidelines.

Inpatients and outpatients that ARE under suspicion for or diagnosed with COVID-19:

• No visitors.
• Rare exceptions will be made in end-of-life and special circumstances, such as when the visitor is essential for the patient’s emotional well-being and health. The facility’s Administrator or delegate must approve any exceptions.

Inpatients and outpatients that ARE NOT under suspicion for or diagnosed with COVID-19, including inpatients who have been tested for COVID-19 for screening purposes only:

• Two visitors are permitted at a time. The visitors must wear a facemask.
• Disabled Visitors: If a visitor is in need of assistance due to a disability then they will be allowed an escort to go up to visitation with them.
• Overnight visitation is limited to one individual per room.

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

• One visitor is permitted during the visit. For pediatric patients, the same two visitors are allowed (parents or guardians) for the duration of the ED visit.
• Rare exceptions will be made in end-of-life and special circumstances, such as when the visitor is essential for the patient’s emotional well-being and health. The facility’s Administrator or delegate must approve any exceptions.

ESSENTIAL PROVIDERS AND VENDORS, ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

Providers deemed essential to a patient’s care and wellbeing, and vendors necessary for patient care and/or hospital operations, may enter facilities in some circumstances. Those granted access must follow the same screening guidelines as all permitted visitors.  The following guidelines will apply:

Clergy and Pastoral Care

• Ongoing access to spiritual and pastoral care is considered an essential part of our patients’ care. Local clergy and chaplains are permitted on-site to visit individuals from their religious communities and exercise our standard precautions.
• Like all employees and visitors who enter FGH facilities, local clergy will be screened upon entry. If screening temporarily restricts a member of the clergy from entry, they are encouraged to identify an alternate person who may provide the needed pastoral visitation.
• Patients may receive religious services from the religious leader of their choice during visitation hours, if it can be provided without disruption to care. Religious leaders will not count as the patient’s visitor.
• End-Of-Life visitation is permitted and visiting hours restrictions do not apply, if it can be provided without disruption to care.  
• Clergy who wish to visit with a patient being tested or suspected for COVID-19 or has a positive COVID-19 test result must wear personal protective equipment.  Clinical staff will monitor the duration of the visit to reduce the amount of exposure to the clergy visitor.

End of Life – physician meetings with family

• When there is an end of life situation/physician meeting with family, a maximum of six visitors at the same time will be allowed.
• Any minors will be counted as a visitor.

Post-Acute Liaisons

• Liaisons from non-Forrest Health post-acute facilities, (TCM Nurses) such as long-term acute care, acute rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facilities, are restricted from working on-site in our facilities.
• During this time, post-acute liaisons should continue to work closely with our case managers and/or social workers using virtual electronic and telephonic methods to ensure patients transition safely and efficiently to the next level of care.

Other, which may include:

• Adult Protective Services (APS).
• Children and Youth Services (CYS).
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
• Legal counsel, attorneys, when needed.
• Other, as approved by local command center.
• Police, when needed.
• Specialty pharmacies and durable medical equipment (DME) providers, for discharges.

Vendors / Dock Deliveries

• Only vendors providing services deemed essential will be able to enter our facilities via loading docks. Suppliers that are deemed essential and provided facility access via the loading dock will follow our facility entrance screening procedure, either at the dock or main facility entrance.
• Essential non-Forrest Health delivery personnel are encouraged to wear a hospital provided facemask while in the facility but must wear a facemask of some sort at minimum.
• All other vendors will stage their deliveries at the loading dock as instructed by the facility and an employee who has already been clinically screened for the day will then deliver internally.

CAFETERIA, RESTROOM, GIFT SHOP, AND OTHER COMMON AREAS:

• Visitors may visit these areas as their reason for entering the building.
• Individuals in these areas should maintain social distancing. Thus, the number of individuals able to gather in common areas may need to be limited to maintain social distancing.  
• The visitors must wear a facemask.
• Off-duty employees should be allowed access to these areas. However, employees must have their badge in order to enter.  No additional visitors or children can accompany employees.