Always Here, Always Safe

PALOMAR HEALTH INPATIENT VISITOR GUIDELINES

Effective August 12, 2021, superseding all previous visitation guidelines.

California is currently experiencing the fastest increase in COVID19 cases since the start of the pandemic. The Delta variant, which is highly contagious and possibly more infectious, is currently the most common variant causing new infections in California.

In accordance with the State Public Health Order just released, Palomar Health will be requiring all visitors to show proof of vaccination or a negative test taken within the last 72 hours before entering Palomar Medical Center Poway, Palomar Medical Center Escondido and The Villas at Poway starting Thursday, August 12. The list of acceptable documents required can be found in the California Department of Public Health Order.

If visitors are not able to show the required documentation, they will not be allowed inside the building and will be asked to wait outside. This includes visitors accompanying loved ones to the hospital for an elective surgery or emergency room visit. If needed, a staff member will be called to assist patients whose loved ones are not allowed inside. Exceptions to the vaccination requirements will be considered for visitors of patients at end-of-life, with signs of imminent birth or those needing additional care. This must be approved in advance by the patient's care team.

**These guidelines are based on current health conditions in our community and are subject to change as conditions change.

Additionally, the following visitor limitations are in place:

• All visitors must show proof of being fully vaccinated or a negative COVID19 test result within 72 hours of arrival to enter the building. Exceptions from proof of vaccine or testing include visitors of patients at end-of-life, a support person for labor/delivery, parent or guardian visitors of NICU and pediatric patients, or patients with physical, intellectual, and/or developmental disabilities and cognitive impairments. This must be approved by the patient's care team.
• Visiting hours are restricted to 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. for inpatient units.
• Visiting hours for the Emergency Department are 24 hours a day.
• 1-2 visitors age 16 and over are allowed to visit/accompany a patient in the hospital. This includes bedside of a non-COVID patient in the ICU, Birth Center, etc.
• Only 1 visitor age 16 and over is allowed to accompany a patient in the emergency department.
• If visitors are already present, others must wait outside the hospital. Visitors should not gather or wait in the lobbies.

• All visitors allowed in the building will be screened, given a wristband and required to wear a well-fitting face mask (surgical mask is recommended) upon entry and at all times within the building. Gaiters, bandanas and masks with small plastic valves on the front are not permitted.
• Anyone with symptoms of COVID19 will not be allowed to visit.
• Visitors should remain in the patient room as much as possible and not wander around in the hallways.
• Eating/drinking is not allowed in the lobbies or patient rooms. Food and drink must be consumed in the cafteria or outside of the hospital.
• Additional PPE the healthcare team deems appropriate while in the patient room may also be required.
• Social distancing must be practiced at all times. If proper social distancing cannot be done in the patient’s room, the visitor(s) may be asked to leave the room while the care team is present.
• If any visitors are not willing to comply with all infection control guidelines they can be asked to leave.

• No visitors are allowed to visit COVID19+ patients in the hospital at this time.
• Exceptions may be considered for patients at end-of-life, or patients with physical, intellectual, and/or developmental disabilities and cognitive impairments. This must be approved in advance by the patient’s care team.

• 1-2 visitors can accompany the patient in/out of the hospital.
• One visitor can wait in the 2nd floor waiting area during surgery and will be notified when the surgery is complete. 

• Two visitors over the age of 16 are allowed. Certified doulas are allowed as one of the two visitors.
• For surrogate births, two visitors are allowed who can be a support person and intended parent.
• COVID19+ patients in labor are allowed one support person, who must remain in the room at all times. Doulas and intended parents are not permitted with COVID19+ patients.
• One birthing partner with a laboring mother will also be exempt from proof of vaccination or testing.
• Parent or guardian visiting a NICU patient are exempt from proof of vaccination or testing.

• All visitors must show proof of being fully vaccinated or a negative COVID19 test result within 72 hours of arrival to enter the building. Exceptions may be considered for patients at end-of-life, or needing additional care. This must be approved in advanced by the patient's care team.
• 1-2 visitors are allowed.
• No overnight visits.

• Visitors must schedule their visits.
• Long-term patients are allowed 5 scheduled visits each week.
• Rehab patients are allowed 4 scheduled visits each week.
• Visits must be limited to 45 minutes; outdoor visits are preferred.
• Masks must be worn by patients and visitors at all times.
• Social distancing must be practiced at all times.

• Visitors must check in at the front desk for their scheduled visit.
• All visitors must show proof of being fully vaccinated or a negative COVID19 test result within 72 hours of arrival to enter the building.
• The list of acceptable documents can be found in the California Department of Public Health Order.

• Screening all patients at the door for potential infectious diseases
• Masking all patients and personnel throughout the hospital
• Restricting visitors 
• Unprecedented cleaning and sterilization of all surfaces
• Isolating potential COVID-19 in a negative pressure room