St. Charles’ hospital visitor policy changes next week
Starting Monday, April 4, St. Charles’ hospitals will no longer require visitors to show proof of vaccination, though wearing a mask will still be mandatory.
Signage posted at hospital entrances will encourage some visitors to leave, including those who have respiratory symptoms, have a pending COVID-19 test or who have been in contact with a known or suspected COVID-19 case in the last 14 days. Visitor screening does not apply to those seeking medical treatment or COVID-19 testing.
Additionally, all patients—including those who are positive for COVID-19—will be allowed two visitors at a time, who may come and go from the hospital as needed. The exception is the Emergency Department, where only one visitor will be allowed.
In some cases, visitors may be required to wear additional personal protective equipment for their safety.
“Two years ago, we instituted visitor restrictions to keep our caregivers and patients safe,” said Debbie Robinson, chief nursing officer, St. Charles Bend Campus. “We’re in a different place now. The number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are low in our community, and we have vaccines and many effective treatments available.”
Door screeners will continue to be posted at hospital entrances through April 8 to help educate the community as this transition takes place.
About St. Charles Health System
St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond. It also owns family care clinics in Bend, Madras, La Pine, Prineville, Redmond and Sisters. St. Charles is a private, not-for-profit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 4,600 caregivers. In addition, there are more than 350 active medical staff members and nearly 200 visiting medical staff members who partner with the health system to provide a wide range of care and service to our communities.
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