Temporary Visitor Restrictions for Baptist Health Lexington

Last updated: March 24, 2023

Visitor guidelines are in place to protect the patients and staff of Baptist Health Lexington during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some site specific variations will be communicated locally based on physical restrictions of waiting space or clinic space.

No one under the age of 18 is permitted to visit.

• Visitors may rotate in all areas other than labor and delivery.
• Visitors may use public spaces and waiting areas, but are expected to obey signage regarding infection control policies including masking and social distancing
• Outside clergy visits are permitted and do not count towards visitor count.
• No visitors for COVID patients.
• Overnight visitors are allowed in Maternity and NICU as long as department policies are followed.
• Overnight visitors are allowed in other areas at discretion of unit director if in the best interest of the patient and their care.
• Full COVID vaccination is highly recommended for all visitors.
• Visitors will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
• This policy will be enforced consistently regardless of any pre-communicated expectations (for example, a healthcare provider who communicates with a family incorrectly).

VISITING HOURS

7:30am to 9:00pm Maternity Floors: 10:00am to 6:30pm

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT:

1 person can accompany the patient in the waiting room and can accompany the patient in patient’s room when notified.

2H ICU:

2 visitors are permitted during visiting hours. Overnight visitors are not allowed. If a patient is still in surgery after visiting hours, 2 visitors may wait. After surgery, 2 visitors may visit with the patient for 15 minutes.

CRITICAL CARE/NON COVID-19:

2 family members/support persons may visit a critically-ill non-COVID patient. Visitors should minimize bringing in outside packages and materials to decrease contamination of contents. Visiting hours are 7:30 am to 9:00 pm.

ISOLATION:

No visitors unless with approval and appropriate PPE for limited times.

INPATIENTS (those admitted or currently in a hospital room):

2 family members/support persons may visit at a time. The use of Personal Protective Equipment and infection control practices should be supervised by staff to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

NICU:

Parents are permitted in the NICU 24/7. If 1 parent is not involved a support person may be identified to visit with the parent.

LABOR AND DELIVERY: Visitors are limited to 2 per patient and may not rotate. 1 visitor may stay overnight. They are encouraged to remain for the entire stay and wear a mask in the room with mom and baby. Doulas count towards visitor count.

ANTEPARTUM:

Visitors are limited to 2 per patient and may rotate. 1 visitor may stay overnight. They are encouraged to remain for the entire stay and wear a mask in the room with mom and baby.

MOTHER/BABY:

Visitor Hours: 10:00am to 6:30pm. Visitors are limited to 2 per patient and may rotate. Siblings of the newborn are also permitted. 1 visitor over 18 may stay overnight.

CANCER CENTER:

2 visitors are allowed for provider visits. For infusion and tradition therapy treatment days, visitors are not allowed with exceptions for extenuating circumstances such as physical or cognitive assistance needs requiring a caregiver.

PRE-ADMISSION TESTING:

1 visitor will be allowed to accompany the patient after being screened. Visitor should restrict their location to the waiting room, wear a mask at all times and practice social distancing. If the patient has been assigned a room the visitor should wait there. Masks should be worn by visitors at all times including in patient rooms.

MAIN SURGERY:

2 visitors are permitted in waiting area, 1 may visit in pre-op and 1 in PACU.

OSTOMY VISITS:

1 visitor encouraged with each patient as patient receives extensive education

IMAGING & OUTPATIENT:

1 visitor is permitted.

HOSPICE, PALLIATIVE CARE:

2 visitors are permitted. Appropriate PPE must be worn and family members should stay in patient room when possible.

END-OF-LIFE CIRCUMSTANCES:

Multiple visitors are permitted.

Please use the following entrances.

• For Main Hospital, 1720 – access 24/7.
• South Tower, 1740 – access 6:30am to 7:00pm (M-F) and 7:30a-7p (Sa/Su)
• North Tower Appointments – Entrance G or the pedway from the North Parking Garage. Access 5:00am to 9:00pm.
• For Emergencies only use Entrance E.

Effective 3/24/2023, but subject to change as recommendations evolve.
Visitor restrictions will continue for Baptist Health Medical Group offices and outpatient facilities.
Baptist Health Medical Group, which includes medical offices and Baptist Health Urgent Care locations, will allow one visitor per patient. Both visitors and patients are asked to socially distance and expect to be evaluated for COVID-19.

Masking is now optional at Baptist Health Medical Group Physician offices.