VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes announced Friday that they would be updating their visitation guidelines. The reason provided was due to a significant increase in COVID-19 transmission in the community.
The hospital said the most notable change is limiting inpatient visitation to one visitor per day, per patient. Outpatient, perioperative (outpatient surgery) and medical practice patients will also be restricted to one visitor age 16 or older only if needed to help with medical, mobility and cognitive needs who is age 16 or older.
The hospital also asks that all non-essential visitors please refrain from visiting Good Samaritan facilities at this time. This includes anyone who is not visiting or assisting a patient (ex. non-essential vendors, visitors to our cafeteria, gift shop and coffee shop).
“This change has been decided with best intentions,” said Laura McBee, Infection Prevention Coordinator. “Our county and surrounding counties are experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases along with an increase in employee illness. Our goal is to protect our patients and our staff.” Good Samaritan understands the importance of patients having visitors and will review and make changes as soon as the hospital feels it is safe to do so.
As a reminder, Good Samaritan asks everyone to do their part to stay safe and keep others safe when attending medical appointments. Below are some examples of how the organization and the community can do their part:
- If you are experiencing COVID symptoms, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, or runny nose, please call ahead to your provider’s office prior to coming inside the office.
- Consider a virtual visit for routine or acute visits that may not require an in-person visit. Your provider’s office can help guide you with the best type of visit for you.
- Only bring one visitor with you to your appointment if they are necessary for mobility or medical decision making.
- When attending an in-person appointment:
- Wear your mask over your nose and mouth. Masks are required, even if vaccinated.
- Maintain a distance of 6 feet from non-household members where possible.
If you are experiencing COVID symptoms, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, or runny nose, please contact your primary care physician or call Good Samaritan’s nurse triage line at 812-885-3331. You may also utilize My Health LIVE for virtual visits with one of our providers that can be accessed on gshvin.org. COVID-19 testing is available at both Convenient Care Clinic locations in Vincennes located at 1813 Willow Street and inside Williams Bros. Pharmacy at 1216 Washington Avenue.
Visitors to Good Samaritan facilities can conduct a self-screening assessment before arriving to check if they are eligible to enter our facilities. The screening assessment can be found on the gshvin.org homepage under the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information section.
More visitor guidelines can also be found on the hospital website.
