Winchester Medical Center COVID-19 Visitation Exceptions

For the safety of our patients, staff and community, at this time social visits remain restricted. We are allowing patients to choose if they wish to have ONE (1) Care Partner present per day to provide physical and emotional support. Care Partners must confine themselves to the unit or waiting room. Health screening and hand hygiene will occur upon entrance at Winchester Medical Center. Masks will be worn throughout all hospital public areas and when the health care team is in the patient’s room.

For help wayfinding through the hospital, download our WMC Campus Guide mobile app.

Winchester Medical Center is making the following changes, effective August 20:

Care Partner Policies

COVID+ patients are allowed ONE(1) ADULT Care Partner who will remain the same throughout the patient's stay. The Care Partner must check in with a valid photo I.D.
COVID negative patients are allowed ONE ADULT (1) Care Partner per day. Care partners may switch-out after a 24-hour period. All Care Partners must check in with a valid photo I.D.
Care Partners must confine themselves to the unit or waiting room.
Care Partners must be 18 years old.
Care Partners will enter at the Main Information Desk (South Tower) between 8am-8pm and are welcomed to stay 24 hours a day according to the patient's preference. Care Partners must wear a mask and provide valid Photo ID upon arrival and will be health screened and badged.
The South Tower Lobby doors will lock at 8:00 p.m. Care Partners should make every effort to arrive prior to 8:00 p.m.
Care Partners must check out at the South Tower Information desk.
The care partner may switch-out after a 24-hour period.
Community clergy may visit individuals in patient rooms (upon their request)

Labor & Delivery and Mother/Baby

The following changes went into effect on August 2:

Labor & Delivery: Two (2) Care Partners may remain with the patient throughout labor and after delivery (24/7). Care Partners will not be permitted to switch with additional individuals. The two designated care partners (18 years and older) will be identified upon admission and entered into the patient’s electronic medical record. Both Care Partners may be present in the room at the same time.

Mother/Baby: The same two (2) designated Care Partners (18 years and older) will be re-verified once the patients are transferred to Mother/Baby. Both care partners may be present in the room at the same time. Care Partners will not be permitted to switch with additional individuals.

Exceptions: In the case that the patient is COVID-19 positive, visitation will be limited to only one care partner for the patient’s length of stay in Labor & Delivery and Mother/Baby.

For more on giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.

Exceptions Include:

End-of-Life Care: May have TWO (2) Care Partners. There are no visiting hour restrictions for EOL visits; time will be managed within reason by the clinical team.
Pediatric and NICU Patients: A patient may have TWO (2) Care Partners who will remain the same during the duration of hospitalization. Both Care Partners may be at the bedside at the same time.

Additional Guidance for Outpatient Areas:

OUTPATIENT PROCEDURAL/SURGICAL AREAS – Patients may have ONE (1) designated visitor wait in designated waiting areas as directed.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT – ONE (1) Visitor is permitted to provide support, transportation, care continuity, and receive education regarding the patient’s care. If volumes necessitate, local ED leadership may ask visitors to remain in their vehicle until the patient is roomed. COVID patient ED Care Partners will be dependent on the capability of each facility to manage.

Thank you for your cooperation as we keep our patients and their families safe.

Effective beginning 5/17/2021; Updated 8/20/2021