On Wednesday, Unity Point Health released the statement below announcing changes to their inpatient visitor policy due to increases in Covid-19 cases in the area.

As we continue to see the climb in COVID-19 cases and community spread over 24%, UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge is committed to protecting our patients and our staff. For this reason, beginning Thursday, November 12, Trinity Regional Medical Center will be limiting inpatient visitors to one support person during the patient’s entire stay.

“Our hope is this change will keep our patients and teams safe, as well as maintain the critical role a support person plays in a patient’s well-being,” says Leah Glasgo, President and CEO of UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge.

Exceptions include:

Pediatric patients may have two support persons.
Nursery may have one birth parent plus one significant other who must remain in the room for the duration of the visit.
Patients who are end-of-life at the discretion of patient’s health care team.

Support persons must always stay in the patient’s room the entire time of the visit and wear a mask. Once the designated visitor leaves the patient room, they must leave the hospital and can return during visiting hours.

In addition, only approved visitation will be allowed for patients with a pending or positive COVID-19 test or have symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath). Children under the age of 18 will not be allowed except under extraordinary circumstances.

“We understand these restrictions may be difficult for our patients and their loved ones. While we are committed to providing a family-centered care environment, designating one support person is in the best interest of both our patients and team members,” shares Glasgo.