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BHS Updates Visitation Guidelines
08:36AM / Saturday, December 12, 2020
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — As the Berkshire region continues to see an increasing number of positive cases of COVID-19, Berkshire Health Systems has updated its visitation guidelines for all of its facilities, effective Tuesday, Dec. 15.

This change is for Berkshire Medical Center and its Hillcrest and North Adams Campuses, Fairview Hospital and BMC and Fairview Physician Practices. Community spread of COVID-19 has risen dramatically since the end of October, which has resulted in a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 hospital admissions and positive cases.

BHS continues to provide safe comprehensive patient care services, both inpatient and outpatient, and these new visitation restrictions are designed to help maintain a safe environment for BHS staff and patients. The guidelines below are the same as enacted at Berkshire Medical Center on Dec. 3, but now include all other BHS facilities and are:

·         Medical/Surgical, Critical Care, Progressive Care, Behavioral Health, Rehab, Family Birth Center and Pediatrics: No visitation

·         Emergency Department: No visitors in the department, including the lobby

·         End-of-Life Circumstances: Based on individual circumstances

·         Ambulatory surgery/Endoscopy/Crane Center: A companion can drop off patient, leave the building and return to pick up patient and receive discharge instructions if needed

·         Physician Practices: One companion/caregiver can accompany the patient to his or her appointment

·         No visitation for patients suspected of or testing positive for COVID-19

 

Although visitation is restricted at this time, there are certain exceptions for designated support persons such as:

·         1 Birth partner

·         1 Parent of a child 18 or under at a time

·         1 Designated support person for patients with intellectual, cognitive, or physical disabilities

·         1 attorney

·         End of life companion in approved circumstances

 

All designated support persons will be required to:

·         Only enter through the main entrance or ED

·         To be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure

·         Sign in, show ID and be given a visitor badge

·         Always wear a mask

·         Must go directly to the patient's room

·         Perform hand hygiene before entering and leaving the patient's room

·         Remain in the patient's room during their entire visit

·         Always maintain a 6-foot distance from patient if possible

·         Do not eat or drink in the patient's room

For more information on visitation guidelines and the coronavirus in Berkshire County, please visit www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/coronavirus.

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