Changes will take affect beginning Monday, May 18
Munson Medical Center will implement visitor hours of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. effective Monday, May 18, as part of efforts to ensure a safe and secure healing environment.
Director of Critical Care, Nursing Practices and Professional Development Jennifer Standfest, M.S.N., R.N., said in addition to enhancing safety and security, the change also reflects the need for patient rest.
“We all know that patient rest is an important part of the healing process,” she said. “Our policy acknowledges every patient’s right to a support person. However, we all know that even that support person needs a time of rest in order to best provide that support role.”
Under the policy, units that will continue allowing family or support person overnight visits include Maternity, NICU, Pediatrics, and Webber Heart Center units with visitor beds. Accommodations in other areas of the hospital will be allowed on a patient-by-patient basis as determined by charge nurses.
Access to the hospital after 9 p.m. will be through the Emergency Department. All visitors and their possessions are subject to search.
Director of Safety and Security John Bolde said the changes benefit patients, their families, and staff.
“We believe these policy changes will help to ensure appropriate visitation after hours – only those who are helping a loved one in that support role,” he said. “These changes will lead to more accountability and promote a safe, secure environment.”