Lawrence + Memorial Hospital modifies patient visitation guidelines

New London (March 2, 2021) – Since last fall, Yale New Haven Health (YNHHS) has strictly limited in-person patient visitation at its hospitals for the safety and well-being of patients, staff and communities as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For several weeks, the state and our health system have experienced a downward trend in hospital admissions, positivity rates and asymptomatic patients. Additionally, we now have a large majority of our health care workers fully vaccinated. With the positivity rate for COVID decreasing in our communities, L+M has decided to modify visitation guidelines to allow one visitor per patient per day for adults over the age of 18. Visiting hours are 1 to 8 pm.

Patients in the Emergency Department at L+M and at Pequot Health Center may also be accompanied by one person.

Visitor restrictions remain in place at our outpatient ambulatory facilities. Exceptions to this policy exist where patients require the presence of a visitor for communication, mobility, or other care delivery needs.

All visitors who have permission to enter the hospital, including the Emergency Departments, will be screened for evidence of illness by the staff at the front desk. Approved visitors who are sick will not be permitted to enter the hospital; this is without exception. Visitors may not enter the hospital if they exhibit the following symptoms: fever, chills, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Facemasks will be provided to all patients and visitors on arrival if they are wearing non-medical masks. Only medical-type paper masks are acceptable for single masking. The additional masks may be worn over the patient or visitor’s original mask. Those with a medical mask under a cloth mask do not require additional masking.

L+M will continue to monitor trends and new developments with regards to COVID-19 and adjust the visitation policies accordingly. Having the support of family members or care partners can enhance outcomes and the overall patient experience. These guidelines balance safety with the provision of compassionate and patient-centered care.