Submitted by SVMC
In response to a sustained surge in cases of COVID-19 throughout Vermont and to mitigate the spread of the virus, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), part of Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC), will suspend in-person visits for hospital patients starting Monday, December 13. Visitor restrictions also include the health system’s practices and off-campus offices. Visitation at SVMC and other hospital systems has been restricted during times of increased transmission throughout the pandemic.
The policy has some exceptions:
• Adult patients, who require someone for physical or cognitive support associated with the patient’s health care, may have one healthy person accompany them in the emergency department.
• Patients at the end of life may have up to six visitors at a time
• Expectant and delivered mothers are allowed one unique care partner for the duration of the stay.
• Pediatric patients, regardless of area, may have two healthy primary care partners for the duration of their stay, as conditions and space allow.
• A member of the clergy may visit upon request to the care team.
The health system will reassess its visitor policy regularly and base future visitation on the region’s positive case percentage and inpatient volume.
Both inpatients and outpatients who would benefit from additional support during a visit or stay should request the use of technology to bring important family and friends virtually into exam and hospital rooms.
For a detailed list of safety protocols, frequently asked questions, visitor guidelines and COVID-19 information, visit svhealthcare.org.