Coronavirus forces North Texas’ largest hospital group to tighten visitation policy
Texas Health Resources, the largest healthcare provider in North Texas, is no longer allowing visitors in inpatient areas until further notice.
The Arlington-based company announced the stepped up security on Monday. The new policy is in effect for all its hospital campuses in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s aimed at keeping patients and caregivers clear of COVID-19 while also slowing the spread of the virus.
In its press release, Texas Health says exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis, including critically ill patients nearing the end of life.
Among the new rules:
- One visitor will be allowed in the labor and delivery and postpartum areas per patient, and two parents or guardians are permitted in the NICU area.
- Visitors are not permitted in the Emergency Department treatment areas. If a patient is impaired, one visitor can accompany the patient.
- One visitor will be allowed in the hospital’s outpatient areas, (i.e., to accompany an impaired patient needing assistance with mobility).
- All visitors must be at least 16 years old and meet the screening criteria each time they enter a Texas Health facility, along with adhering to all health precautions, including social distancing of at least 6 feet and practicing thorough hand hygiene.
Texas Health suspended all elective and non-essential surgeries and procedures last week.
Stefan Stevenson
Fort Worth Star-Telegram