Additional Measure Added to Visitor-policy Changes at Baystate Health Hospitals

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health has announced an additional measure to its recently announced change in visitor policy as it continues to take preemptive measures to protect the health and safety of its patients, the community and its healthcare workers.

Only one visitor per patient at a time is allowed, and now, no one other than that one visitor can enter the building. In addition, if you are a visitor experiencing symptoms of fever and/or cough, please don’t visit.

The policy is in effect at all Baystate Health hospitals, including Baystate Medical Center and Baystate Children’s Hospital in Springfield, Baystate Wing Hospital in Palmer, Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, and Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield. Additionally, for Baystate Children’s Hospital, no visitors under age 12 are allowed.

In addition, at doctor’s offices and other outpatient sites, including X-ray, laboratory, rehabilitation, etc., in order to reduce exposure in the waiting rooms of doctors’ offices and other outpatient settings:

• If you are experiencing symptoms of fever and/or cough, please call ahead to inform the office;

• Patients should come to appointments alone or be accompanied by just one other person, if needed;

• Patients are discouraged from bringing children to their appointments with them; and

• People who are experiencing symptoms of fever and/or cough should not accompany patients to their appointment.

Baystate Health’s visitation policy during this time is designed to reduce patient and employee exposure to illness. Visitation is at the discretion of Baystate Health, and exceptions are at the discretion of the nurse or physician.