Restricted Visiting Policy (3.22.20)

Our goal is to always create a healing environment, which engages both the patient and family. During the Coronavirus pandemic we must take extraordinary precautions to protect our patients, staff and community. Effective immediately, we are restricting visitations within Ridgecrest Regional Hospital. All routine visiting is being suspended until further notice.

The decision to restrict visitors is a difficult one. After seeing how the virus has spread across California we as a hospital need to be proactive. We need to be part of the solution to #flatten the curve.

Visiting will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 4:00pm to 6:00pm. 1 visitor at a time will be allowed in during those times. All visitors will be screened for a fever (100.4 and greater) and respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath). No visitor will be allowed in who has a positive screening.

We recognize that there are times when having a visitor or family member present is crucial. In these cases, visitors will be allowed based on the exceptions listed below. The visitor(s) still must go through the screening process in these situations. Exceptions include:

• Patients under 18 years old may have 1 visitor, parent/guardian.

• Maternal may have 1 visitor accompany them.

• Patient who has altered mental status or developmental delay (where caregiver provides safety) or patients with disruptive behavior (where a caregiver is key to their care) are allowed to have 1 visitor.

• Patients who require a home caregiver to be trained allowed up to 2 visitors during training.

• Patients undergoing surgery or procedure are allowed 1 visitor until patient is discharged or admitted.

• The Emergency Department allowed 1 visitor. This can change based on business of the department.

• Patients at end of life are allowed 2 visitors.

Visitors allowed must stay in the patient’s room and/or the specified waiting area for the duration of the visit. Once the visitor leaves the patient room, they must leave the hospital. Please during the visit do not remove any supplies or equipment from the facility.

Any patient with a pending or positive COVID-19 test will not be allowed visitors unless special circumstances apply.

We appreciated your understanding during these uncertain times. Our goal is to protect you, your loved ones and our staff. If you have any questions, please contact the manager of your unit.

To our valued patients and their families - Download