Visiting Alice Hyde

COVID-19 Policy Update: Alice Hyde Welcoming Policy

Effective Date: 3/28/22

Family members and loved ones are valued members of the health care team and play a key role in supporting the well-being of our patients. Many other members of the healthcare team, healthcare business, and healthcare learning communities also require access to AHMC to support the work we do every day for our patients. This policy outlines the parameters and requirements of persons seeking to enter AHMC facilities.

Patient and Family Communication:
We will make every attempt to accommodate, for the patients and their families, the ability to talk or visualize, via the use of electronic devices, (patient or hospital owned) as necessary, so patients/families stay connected to their loved one’s during this time.

For All:

Visitation is permitted at this time on a limited basis following NY State Department of Health (DOH) guidelines.

• Everyone allowed to enter AHMC healthcare facilities:
  • Visitation is restricted to those visitors 12 years or older. Support persons must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must follow current New York State Guidelines for quarantine/isolation. Those who meet criteria for quarantine/isolation due to exposure to COVID-19 may not visit our facilities.
  • Will be screened for a fever and COVID-19 symptoms prior to entry. Those with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will not be allowed to visit.
  • Is required to wear a surgical/procedural mask that covers the nose and mouth for the entire time they are in the building, including in the patient’s room. Individuals visiting COVID- positive/PUI/Quarantined patients will wear a N95 respirator/mask.  Persons not willing to wear the appropriate mask for the duration of their time in the facility, will not be permitted entry or allowed to remain within our facilities. A surgical/procedural or N95 mask will be provided to those without. No other face coverings will be permitted.  Anyone seeking emergent medical care must be allowed to do so.
  • All persons are expected to clean their hands when entering and exiting any unit, patient room, or clinic and upon entry and exit from the building.
  • Persons are permitted to leave and re-enter the building but must be rescreened upon each entry.  Frequent exchanges of support persons are discouraged.  All visitors are to remain in the patient rooms for the duration of the visit, limit traffic in hallways and cannot congregate in common areas.

• Only ADA service animals are permitted. All others animals, including previously approved therapy dogs/support animals, or service animals in training are not allowed at this time.
• Essential support person(s) will be permitted, as in the case of a patient with communication needs (such as persons who are deaf or who do not understand/speak English), cognitive impairment, or a disability requiring assistance to access care.

Visitation Policies by Care Setting:

• Adult inpatient units/Maternal-Newborn: Two visitors that can pass the pre-screening process for entry are allowed to visit during visitation hours.  Visitation hours will be held daily between 10am - 7pm. We encourage limiting the number of visitors that visit daily but do allow visitors to switch out during the visitation hours, however only two persons are permitted at a time.
  • COVID Positive/Persons under investigation (PUI) or Quarantine patients: Two designated visitors that can pass the pre-screening process and are fully vaccinated (defined by current N.Y. State guidelines) are permitted during normal visitation hours per day, while the patient is on isolation precautions.  Once isolation precautions are lifted, the visitors follow Adult inpatient guidelines.
  • Full Covid PPE is required to be worn by Visitor(s) to include N95, gown, gloves and eyewear. Visitor(s) are required to stay in the patients’ room for the duration of the visit.
• Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF): Separate Department of Health (DOH) regulatory requirements apply. Contact SNF for the latest policy.

Support person(s) by care setting: In general, support persons are those individuals designated as medically necessary for the patients care needs critical to avoid negative outcomes to the patient.

• Adult inpatient units/Maternal-Newborn: Two designated support person(s) may be present with the patient outside of normal visitation hours as deemed medical necessary by the care team. Other support person(s) may switch out with the designated person(s) during visitation hours, but only two person(s) are allowed in the room at any one time. Frequent exchanges are discouraged.

• Patients in End-of-Life Care:
  • Non-COVID/PUI/Quarantine: Four designated support person(s) that can pass the pre-screening process may be present with patients for whom death is expected during this hospitalization without restriction on hours. Designated support person(s) must stay in the patient room and wear a surgical/procedural mask for the duration of their stay.
  •  COVID-positive/PUI/Quarantine patients: Four designated support person(s) regardless of vaccination status, are permitted, but must stay in the patient’s room and be able to wear N95, protective eye wear, gown and gloves for the duration of their stay. Unvaccinated support person(s) should be made aware of the imposed risk.
  • Clergy: A virtual or in person visit with the patient’s own clergy may occur upon request with Unit/ Department Leadership. Clergy must sign in with screener as a visitor.
• Goal and Care Planning for end-of-life: Family members involved in end-of-life planning are to pre-schedule a meeting with the Care Team, Provider or Unit Leadership. If this meeting is in-person, the four designated individuals may attend, must pre-screen through the checkpoint and sign in as a visitor then leave at the conclusion of the meeting.   It is strongly encouraged to have meetings via telephone or video-conference when possible.
• Hospice Care: Hospice nurses and social workers are allowed to enter daily to support their patients’ needs. All Hospice Care team members must log in with a screener as a visitor.
• Pediatrics: Parents are not considered ‘visitors’ but are rather considered essential support persons. Two parents/guardians may accompany a pediatric patient for their entire stay.

• Emergency Department: Two support person(s) at least 18 years of age that can pass the pre-screening process are welcome at the bedside, or allowed in the waiting area without restriction to hours. All support persons must sign in through the AHMC Main entrance near the Emergency Department in the visitor log and pass the pre-screening process.   
  • Two designated parents/guardians for pediatric patients. Two designated support people for patients in end of life care.

• Outpatient Clinics:
  • Adult outpatient clinics: One companion who can pass the pre-screening process and is 18 years or older, may accompany the patient. All companions must wear a surgical/procedural mask for the duration of the appointment.  Patients and support person(s) will need to follow the clinic guidelines for entry as congregation in waiting rooms is prohibited.
  • Pediatrics: Two parents or support person(s) that can pass the pre-screening process should accompany pediatric patients. The designated parent/guardian remains the same throughout the visit. Parents or support person(s) must wear a surgical/procedural mask for the duration of the appointment.
• Surgical Services: 
  • For ambulatory/ same day procedures: Patients undergoing same day procedures from 730-1600 may be accompanied by one support person.  After the initial intake, the support person must exit the building.  Updates will be provided via phone.  Support person will be called back in for the discharge process.  Designated support person will be required to wear an approved mask while in the building.
  • For those patients being admitted to the hospital following a procedure: The support person can remain with the patient through the initial intake process and then the support person is required to follow the visitation guidelines as outlined for adult inpatient units. 
  • For Pediatric patients: two parents/guardians may accompany a child under the age of 18 years old. Once in the facility the pediatric support person(s) must remain in the patient’s room throughout the visit except when directed by hospital staff. Aerosol generating procedures do not require the support person(s) to exit the room as they are routinely exposed to the patient at home, however imposed risks should be discussed.  
• Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Services: One support person over the age of 18 is permitted to accompany patient to visit. One parent/guardian may accompany pediatric patients.
  • Any exceptions to outpatient guidelines can only be made by the department/clinic leadership.

Process for Exceptions to Inpatient/Acute Care and Emergency Department Policies:

• Any additional exception to this policy can be made by the physician and Department/Unit Leadership/ Nursing Supervisor. If the care team cannot reach consensus with regard to limited exceptions, the AOC (Administrator on-call) on evenings, nights and weekends, will be the final decision maker in all cases.
• For inpatients: Units should identify patients who have a support person permitted (based upon one of the listed exceptions) and provide that information to the information desk at the start of each day.

General Notes:

• All visitors will be asked to clean their hands upon entry and exit from any unit, patient room, or clinic and upon entry and exit from the building.
• The Department Manager/Nursing Supervisor will be called to respond to any family members/visitors who present significant safety concerns, including unwillingness to mask or comply with social distancing requirements, or refusing to leave when asked on the basis of these concerns.
• Visitation rules apply equally to employees who wish to visit friends or family regardless of whether they are on or off duty. Employees must follow the same visitation process as the community.
• Vendors and partners in financial and professional service firms may enter as required and are subject to AHMC staff policies regarding entry, masking and vaccination.
• Any AHMC employee may enter the facility with her/his ID badge in hand on off-hours to conduct work-related business such as necessary business at Human Resources or other similar activities. This is limited only to the employee and does not extend to friends or family.
• This policy will be modified on a case-by-case basis for unique and/or extenuating circumstances.
• Clinical learners must provide vaccination status to Occupational Health & Wellness and/or the Medical Staff Office prior to arrival for their learning experience.  Once here, learners are subject to the same policies regarding entry and masking as our employed staff.

Tobacco, Drug & Alcohol and Firearm Policies

• Tobacco Use Policy: Alice Hyde is a tobacco-free institution. Medical Center policy prohibits any tobacco use on the Medical Center grounds. If you would like help to quit smoking, please ask a nurse for assistance.
• Drug & Alcohol Use: Alcohol beverages and illegal drugs are prohibited on the Medical Center grounds.
• Firearms: Firearms or other dangerous weapons are not permitted within the facility except by law enforcement.

Amenities

Free WiFi: Choose the AHMC-Guest Network

1. Through your wireless network settings, choose AHMC-Guest Network.
2. Open your browser and follow the on-screen instructions for logging in.

Note: Different computing devices will have similar features, but may look different than the image shown.

ATM: The ATM is located on the Main Floor across from the Gift Shop

Gift Shop: The Gift Shop, located on the main floor next to the Park Street Café, is temporarily closed.

Parking

Handicap Parking: Handicap parking is available off Fourth Street near the Nursing Home entrance and Emergency Room parking lot.