BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – Raleigh General Hospital announced today that it is transitioning from a zero-visitor protocol to limited visitor restrictions as the hospital gradually resumes elective and non-urgent cases and services at its facilities.
The decision was made as current projections continue to indicate a lower than expected volume of COVID-19 in the region and after careful review of state and federal guidance. The updated restrictions, which will now allow most patients to have one visitor or support person per day, will be implemented effective Tuesday, May 26th, 2020.
“Our hospital’s top priority is safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our patients, providers, employees and community,” said Matt Roberts, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Raleigh General Hospital. “We continue to monitor closely the prevalence of the virus in our community as we adapt our operations to safely care for and support our patients, and we feel confident that it is safe to begin allowing limited visitors again at this time.”
As part of the updated visitor restrictions, inpatients, patients having procedures, such as surgeries, endoscopies, colonoscopies and cardiac catheterizations are now limited to one well visitor per day, including one support person for obstetric patients. What this does not include is patients having lab work and imaging, as we continue to ask that no visitors accompany them in the facility. All visitors must be 12 years of age or older, will be screened upon entry and are required to wear their own mask and a wristband while in the facility. Visitors who do not pass the screening at entry will be asked to reschedule their visit until they are symptom-free. Visitors are not allowed for high-risk, isolation, immunocompromised or patients who are under observation or test positive for COVID-19. Visitation will be from the hours of 2pm-6pm daily.
