SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in our community, including the circulation of the highly contagious variants, PeaceHealth is temporarily restricting all visitor access, with some exceptions, at our four Lane County hospitals and our PeaceHealth Medical Group clinics. This change will take effect at noon, on Tuesday, Aug. 3.
The temporary restrictions will apply to the following medical centers:
· PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield
· PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center, University District in Eugene
· PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center
· PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center in Florence
“We recognize the importance of having loved ones visit patients in our hospitals and made this decision only after careful consideration,” said Todd Salnas, chief executive of the PeaceHealth Oregon network. “Our priority is the health and safety of our patients, caregivers and community.”
PeaceHealth continues to follow CDC and state guidelines that include requiring all employees to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and masks, testing all admitted patients, restricting visitors and caring for COVID-19 patients on a dedicated unit.
“We urge all who are eligible to get vaccinated if they have not already done so,” said Dr. Jim McGovern, PeaceHealth Oregon’s chief medical officer. “We recommend that anyone who has questions or concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine reach out to their healthcare provider.”
The following exceptions allow visitors on a case-by-case basis for patients who are not positive for or suspected to have COVID-19:
· Two support persons for end-of-life patients
· Two parents/legal guardians of a minor patient
· One support person for Emergency Department patients
· One support person for Labor and Delivery and Mom-Baby at Sacred Heart RiverBend and Peace Harbor Medical Center; may also have a certified doula or community midwife for labor and birth
· Two parents of a NICU patient (Both parents must remain in the room for the duration of the visit.)
· One support person to help a patient with mobility challenges or discharge instructions
Patients who have confirmed COVID-19 or are suspected to have COVID-19 may not receive visitors except as follows:
· One visitor for patients receiving end-of-life care
· One parent or legal guardian of a minor
· One support person for labor and delivery
· One visitor for patients with cognitive or physical disability who require assistance
We encourage loved ones to connect with patients through technology, such as cell phones, tablets and laptops.
PeaceHealth Medical Group Clinics
PeaceHealth Medical Group clinics will temporarily limit visitor access at its clinics except for visitors accompanying patients needing assistance. Examples of patients who may require assistance include children and patients with physical or cognitive impairments. In addition, visitors will be permitted in those clinical situations where a visitor will be integral to the decision making and information exchange process, for example, for Obstetrics, Palliative Care, Oncology and major procedural discussions.
We want to thank anyone affected by these restrictions for their understanding and help in keeping our patients, caregivers and communities safe and healthy. For more information about visitor restrictions and COVID-19 vaccines, including scheduling an appointment, please visit peacehealth.org/coronavirus.
About PeaceHealth
PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 1,200 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.
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