Visitors

Come on in.

We believe that having loved ones nearby lifts spirits, brightens moods and improves healing. However, there are a few things to consider when coming by to say hello.

Visiting Policy Updated February 2022

Mountain West Medical Center follows guidelines and recommendations from the CDC, Utah Department of Health, and the University of Utah as an affiliate hospital.  The support of family and friends is an important part of healing.  Because of the potential spread of COVID-19, we have had to update our visitor policy.

ENTRANCE SCREENING & UNIVERSAL MASKING

The following questions will be asked at the screening entrance:

• Do you have any symptoms concerning for COVID-19, a cold or the flu?
• Have you been exposed to someone with COVID-19 over the last 14 days?
• Are you currently waiting for COVID-19 test results or have you recently tested positive?

Regardless of current state, county, or city guidelines, EVERYONE must wear an approved mask when entering and AT ALL TIMES while inside Mountain West Medical Center. This includes patients, visitors, staff, vendors, and students.

APPROVED: a well-secured paper or cloth mask that covers the nose and mouth.

NOT APPROVED: face coverings that include exhalation vents, bandanas, neck gaiters, and mesh-based masks (i.e. tulle masks) are not permitted.

• If a visitor does not have a mask or face covering, one will be provided for them.
• For the protection of the visitor and others, entry to the facility will not be allowed if the visitor refuses to wear a face covering.

OUTPATIENT (Imaging, Lab, Cardiopulmonary, Physical Therapy):

• Visitors must be 18 or older.
• 1 visitors allowed with patient.
• Exceptions may be made by the respective department.

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT:

• Visitors must be 18 or older.
• 1 visitor with patient.
• Both parents may accompany a child 17 and younger.
• Visitors must stay in the patient room and utilize the call light if they have questions for nursing staff.
• Patients with known COVID-19 will not be allowed a visitor to accompany them, unless they are under the age of 18.

SCHEDULED SURGERY OR PROCEDURE:

• Visitors must be 18 or older.
• 1 visitor with patient during check-in/pre-op intake and again at discharge.
• Visitors are not allowed to stay in surgery department while the patient is in surgery or a procedure.
• Nursing staff will communicate with visitors via cell phone.

MEDICAL SURGICAL, INTENSIVE CARE, AND LABOR & DELIVERY UNITS:

• Visiting hours: 9 am to 9 pm.
• L&D: Adult visitors only – no children under 18 allowed in patient care areas.
• MS/ICU: No visitor age restriction but children will need to be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Allowed 2 designated visitors for the entirety of the hospitalization that must be banded.
• Visitors may be present at the same time and CANNOT be exchanged for other individuals.
• Visitors must wear any required PPE and remain in the room during the visitation.
• 2 visitors for the duration of hospitalization and must be banded at the nurses’ station on the floor.
• Visitors cannot be replaced by others.
• Visitors will be asked to stay in the patient’s room as much as possible but may leave for meals.

PATIENTS WITH COVID-19:

• Visitors may not eat or drink in the room.
• Visitors will not be allowed to accompany an adult patient in the Emergency Department. Exceptions are made for children under age 18.
• Visitors must be free of COVID-19 symptoms AND:
  • Be able to provide proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination (more than two weeks after second dose of Pfizer or Moderna OR single dose of Johnson & Johnson OR
  • Be able to provide proof of prior positive COVID-19 test at least 14 days prior AND within the last 90 days AND be considered recovered (no fever, symptoms other than mild cough and fatigue resolved) OR
  • Be able to provide proof of a negative PCR (NOT rapid antigen) test within the last 7 days.

EXCEPTIONS:

• Spiritual leaders are not considered visitors and visitation restrictions do not apply to these individuals when they are providing spiritual services. Spiritual leaders are not included as one of the 2 allowed visitors, but only 2 of the three visitors + spiritual leaders are allowed in the room at the same time due to distancing requirements.
• Patients with cognitive or physical disabilities that impact their ability to function independently may require reasonable accommodations including the presence of a caregiver. A caregiver must still meet the above visitation requirements if the patient is COVID-19 positive. The caregiver is not included as one of the 2 allowed visitors, but only 2 of the three visitors + caregiver are allowed in the room at the same time due to distancing requirements.
• When preparing to intubate a patient or when a patient is being transitioned to comfort care, up to 6 visitors will be allowed, but they must still meet the above requirements if the patient is COVID-19 positive. Only 2 of the visitors will be allowed in the room at the same time due to distancing requirements, but they will be able to rotate in and out. The other 4 visitors must wait in the waiting room to avoid overcrowding and congestion in the hallways.
• Any further exceptions to be evaluated by the house supervisor, nurse, and provider. Agreement must be reached between all three to allow exception.
• If an exception is declined, patient and family have the right to appeal this declination by contacting the Administrator-On-Call.