AHN Temporarily Suspends All Visitation At Affiliated Facilities

In an effort to protect the health of hospitalized patients and their caregivers, Allegheny Health Network has announced that it is temporarily suspending all patient visitation at its affiliated hospitals.

See the official press release below or AHN.org for details and exceptions.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

AHN Temporarily Suspends all Visitation at Affiliated Facilities

Pittsburgh, PA (March 19, 2020)- As part of its ongoing efforts to help prevent the spread of illness in the community related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and protect the health of hospitalized patients and their caregivers, Allegheny Health Network (AHN) today announced that it is suspending all patient visitation at its affiliated hospitals, outpatient clinics and ambulatory surgery centers until further notice. The new policy goes into effect at 7 pm tonight. 

There are four exceptions to the hospital no visitation rule. Patients in the following areas or circumstances will be allowed two visitors at a time:

  • Labor and Delivery
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU)
  • Pediatrics
  • End of Life Care

Visitors to the hospital exception areas will still be screened before entering the facility and asked the following questions:

  • Have you traveled domestically or internationally in the last 14 days?
  • Do you have a cough or fever?

Those who answer yes to either question will not be allowed to enter the facility. 

Hospital visitation hours are also now limited to 7 AM to 7 PM, and only visitors age 18 and older are permitted.

Visitors are also prohibited at AHN outpatient clinics and ambulatory surgery centers, with the exception of those accompanying pediatric patients. Those accompanying their adult loved ones to an ambulatory surgery center or outpatient clinic will be asked to wait in their cars or some other external location until they are called to pick up the patient. 

“We understand that visitation restrictions are difficult for both our patients and their loved ones, but we hope that everyone understands the gravity of the public health crisis that we are experiencing and that they appreciate that the steps we are taking are in the best interests of everyone at this time,” said Brian Parker, MD, AHN Chief Quality and Learning Officer.

Thumbnail courtesy of Getty Images.


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