The updated rules are effective on November 18 for PBMC and WCGH locations and medical practices and rural health centers. They are intended to safeguard patients, visitors and staff during the coronavirus outbreak, according to a news release from the hospitals.

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital are immediately implementing increased restrictions with regard to its policies for visitors.

This is being done to prevent spread of the virus, the release said.

Infectious disease experts agree that measures to contain the virus are most effective early in its spread. Although the vast majority of people infected with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and make a full recovery, COVID-19 can be very serious for vulnerable populations, especially older people with underlying health conditions.

“Given that these populations often are cared for at PBMC/WCGH facilities, it is important to take all necessary steps to protect them,” the release said.

“This necessary decision will allow us to minimize the chances of a COVID-19 outbreak in our facilities, protecting staff and patients as we work to provide a safe place for our community to get the health care it needs,” said Mark Fourre, president of PBMC and WCGH, in the release.

“We know this is difficult for patients and their family and friends who often play such an important role in the healing process,” he said. “However, restricting visitors at this time helps to keep our patients safe so they can return to their families and friends without complications from COVID-19. Thank you to everyone for understanding and for continuing to do your part during the pandemic by wearing a mask, staying 6-feet apart and washing your hands frequently.”

VISITORS/ESCORTS are not permitted on PBMC|WCGH campus, except the following:

Hospital Inpatient Areas:

• Pediatrics:  Two parent/guardians at a time allowed to accompany patient.  

• Obstetrics:  One spouse/coach
• Critical Care:  Two visitors daily 1 to 4 p.m.  Exceptions may be made at the time of unit admission or for care plan discussions.
• Med-Surg Units:  One visitor daily 1 to 4 p.m.
• End of Life:  Up to four family members may visit patients likely to expire within 24 hours (all areas) – visit times to be managed by the care team.  This permission is not to extend beyond one day.
• Patients in isolation for COVID-19 infection or being evaluated for COVID-19 infection:  No visitors except for End of Life.
• PARC Unit:  No visitors.

Emergency Department:  Visitors are not allowed to wait in the ED.   Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents/guardians.

Patient Discharges:  Patients will be brought to an appropriate entrance for pick up.

Outpatient Surgery and Procedural Areas:  Adult patients should come alone or arrange for drop-off and pick-up unless they need special assistance.  Exceptions can be made in advance for patients who do not live locally.  Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents/guardians.

Ambulatory/Diagnostic Areas:  Adult patients should come alone or arrange for drop-off and pick-up unless they need special assistance.  Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents/guardians.

Patients Requiring Special Assistance:   Patients in any care setting who need help, such as with mobility or communications with the care team about their care, may be assisted by an adult escort to provide the needed assistance or support, such necessity to be determined by care providers. 

All visitors will be screened upon entering a PBMC/WCGH facility. This means a care team member will be at each entrance to ask a series of screening questions, including whether they have a fever, a new cough in the last 10 days, shortness of breath, a sore throat or a runny nose. If they answer yes to any of these questions, they will be asked to leave.

About Pen Bay Medical Center 

Pen Bay Medical Center is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit pbmc.org.

Waldo County General Hospital

Waldo County General Hospital is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit wcgh.org.