As of 10/1/2024, there are no restrictions on visitation to non-COVID-19 inpatients at Mercy Health - Lourdes, with the exceptions noted below:
Mothers in labor: we do not limit visitors at this time, however limitations to visitors may be necessary based on condition of patient and or diagnosis. Nursing staff will limit visitors on a case-to-case basis as needed.
Critical Care Units: may have visitors from 9a – 7p. Number of visitors will depend on condition and diagnosis of patient. Exceptions may be made for end of life patients.
Emergency Department: limitations to visitors may be necessary based on condition of patient and or diagnosis. Nursing staff will limit visitors on a case-to-case basis.
Patients in diagnostic areas: are recommended to only have one individual, preferably an essential caregiver/guardian, with them for emotional well-being and care. These individuals will be asked to remain in the waiting area for most exams for their safety. Minors will also be unable to accompany patients into exam areas and cannot be left unattended. We ask that you please leave minors at home when scheduled for diagnostic imaging exams.
Patients in Surgery, Ambulatory Surgery Center & Cath Lab: are recommended to have only one individual, preferably an essential caregiver/guardian with them for emotional well-being and care. If the patient is a child, the child may be accompanied by 2 essential care givers.
Hospice: call for hospice guidelines before visiting.
Urgent care: recommend only one visitor with each patient. If the patient is a minor, he or she may be accompanied by 2 parents, guardians, or supportive family members.
We recommend that patients in our community medical offices have one individual, preferably an essential caregiver/parent/guardian, with them for emotional well-being and care. Examples of an essential caregiver include the parent/guardian of a minor, family/caregiver of an individual who is impaired due to age or physical/cognitive disability.
Infants in a covered carrier: can accompany the patient when necessary. Some units may have dedicated hours that children can visit patients.
Clergy and Faith Leaders: may always visit during end of life care on COVID units; and during other times to COVID positive patients as approved by charge nurse. Clergy may visit other non-covid positive inpatients without restriction.
Lobbies & waiting rooms: it is recommended that all people in lobbies and waiting rooms understand that they could be exposed to illness, and mask as they feel comfortable. It is also recommended that patients limit how many visitors accompany them to the hospital and waiting room for procedures.
Behavioral Health: visitation per unit policy and specified hours.
COVID-19 positive patients or those being ruled out for Covid: will be allowed visitation based on individual patient scenarios and with guidance from CDC and other policy.
Visitors:
- Agree not to be a visitor if experiencing any symptoms of illness or Covid.
- Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before putting on and after taking off a mask.
- Try to minimize time in hallways and common areas.
- Understand that anyone at high risk for severe illness, such as older adults or those with serious underlying conditions, can wear a mask when visiting, and consider visiting by other means like facetime calls or by phone.
Masks are optional while visiting, however the CDC does advise that wearing a mask is an additional prevention strategy that you can choose to further protect yourself and others from respiratory illness.
Visitor Information:
Internet
Mercy Health — Lourdes Hospital offers free wireless internet access to patients and visitors. Feel free to bring your WiFi enabled laptop or hand-held device with you to your next appointment/visit.
Smoking Policy
To protect the health of our patients, visitors and associates, smoking is prohibited on the Lourdes campus. This includes all buildings, parking lots, and grounds.
Firearms and Weapons Prohibition
BSMH's goal is to promote a safe and weapon-free environment at all facilities. Firearms and other weapons are prohibited at and in all facilities. This prohibition extends to parking lots or garages; however, this prohibition shall not prevent firearms or weapons from being kept in vehicles, in parking garages, or parking lots if the firearm or weapon is stored in accordance with applicable state law.
Workplace Violence
BSMH is committed to providing a safe and secure workplace and caregiving environment, free from incidents and threats of workplace violence, for all associates and the people who are served (i.e., patients, visitors, vendors, agency, staff, contractors, students, faculty, and affiliated providers). All workplace violence or threat of violence against any person for any reason is prohibited.
In accordance with KRS 508.025 individuals committing acts of workplace violence may be prosecuted for assault in the third degree should they cause or attempt to cause physical injury to a person employed by or under contract with a health clinic, doctor’s office, hospital, or hospital-owned affiliate if the event occurs in or on the premises of a health clinic, doctor’s office, hospital, or hospital-owned affiliate and is punishable by up to five (5) years in prison.