Trinity Health Of New England Updates Emergency Department Visitation Policy

SPRINGFIELD — As a result of the prevalence of COVID-19 within local communities, Trinity Health Of New England will implement updated visitation guidelines for the Emergency Departments at each of its member hospitals, including Mercy Medical Center in Springfield. The updated visitor policy guideline is specifically for the Emergency Department. Existing visitation policies for inpatient areas remains the same. These restrictions are in place for the protection of patients and colleagues.

The updated Emergency Department visitor policy takes effect immediately and will remain in effect until further notice. No visitors will be allowed in the Emergency Department with the exception of compassionate-care visits, which may include end-of-life care, minors, or ADA hospital support persons.

One fully vaccinated adult visitor will be allowed per patient, per day on inpatient units. (Compassionate-care exceptions may be granted for end-of-life care or ADA hospital support persons.) For minors and neonates, two fully vaccinated parents can visit per patient.

One fully vaccinated adult visitor is allowed for patients undergoing surgical procedures. Visitors are allowed during registration/intake and discharge/pickup only.

No visitors are allowed for patients testing positive for COVID-19 or persons under investigation (PUI) patients except as outlined in compassionate-care circumstances.

Do not visit if you have any symptoms of a cold, the flu, or COVID-19.

As a reminder, for inpatient units, all visitors will need to show proof of their vaccination status upon entry. Proof of vaccination should be a paper or digital record issued by an official source and should include the visitor’s name and date of birth, as well as the vaccine product and date(s) of administration for all doses received.

In order to provide an environment that is as safe for patients, visitors, and colleagues as possible, visitors are required to pass a temperature screening, wear a face mask, and wear additional personal protection when asked by clinical staff. Physical distance must be maintained. Visitors must go directly to and from patient room or designated area. There is no gathering in common or public areas. Visitors may be asked to leave if visitation policy is not followed.