PeaceHealth Oregon has adjusted the visitor policy in its hospitals and freestanding clinics. Now, patients who are neither COVID-19 suspect or positive, are allowed one visitor, or two—approved on a case-by-case basis.
The visitor policy is implemented at Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield, University District in Eugene and Cottage Grove Community Medical Center. It affects minor patients, as well as those in end-of-life care and in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU.)
Medical staff say the decision was based on a recognition that having a loved one near during a hospital stay is vital to patient well-being. There are currently no COVID-19 patients being treated in area hospitals.
Safety measures remain in place. All visitors will be screened for fever and COVID-19 symptoms before entering hospitals. Masks are required, regular handwashing is encouraged and visitors must refrain from unnecessary movement within the facility.
