Loris Healthcare System implements a new visitation policy

Loris Healthcare System is anticipating an active flu season. To protect our staff, volunteers and patients, Loris Community Hospital will implement these changes effective Nov. 1, a press release said.

• No children or teenagers under the age of 18 will be allowed to visit patients.
• As an extra step to protect infants and pregnant women, no children or teenagers under the age of 18 will be allowed to visit patients or wait inside the reception area of our Women’s Service area (4th floor).
• No visitors who are experiencing fever, vomiting, diarrhea, cold or flu-like symptoms will be allowed to see patients.
• Only two visitors will be allowed to visit a patient at any time. If visiting with a patient on isolation precautions, visitors must wear the required protective clothing before entering the room.

All visitors, physicians and employees must wash their hands with soap and water or use an antibacterial hand gel before and after visiting patients. Soap and dispensers are available in the patient rooms and at other areas inside the hospital.

Exceptions to the visitation restrictions will be made for extraordinary circumstances, such as for patients who are critically ill. Individual nursing departments will have authority to handle these situations on a case-by-case basis.

Signage for the new visitation policy will be posted at main entrances.