Doctors Medical Center Updating Visitor Policy

Modesto, Calif. – May 19, 2020 – Doctors Medical Center announced today that it’s modifying the previously implemented no visitor policy.

To provide patients and their loved ones peace of mind, Doctors Medical Center will begin to relax visitor restrictions while keeping safety the top priority for all patients and staff. It is widely accepted that visitors are an essential part of patient care and recovery. The hospital remains committed to providing optimal care for its patients.

Due to COVID-19, Doctors Medical Center took steps to limit visitors for the health and safety of its patients and staff. With extensive planning done to manage this infectious disease and the ability to safely provide for an influx of patients should the need occur, Doctors Medical Center is phasing in some limited visitation for patients. This comes shortly after the hospital resumed elective care with extensive safety measures in place.

“Our safety standards were developed with key principles in mind to maximize safety and maintain vigilance of all potential risks,” said Warren Kirk, CEO of Doctors Medical Center. “I am proud of the work our team has done to quickly implement and optimize these standards to provide care for patients in the safest environment possible.”

Effective Tuesday, May 19, 2020, the following will be in place:

• All patients will be permitted one designated visitor/support person with the exception of positive COVID-19 patients, those under investigation for COVID-19 and behavioral health patients
• Pediatric and NICU patients will be allowed two designated visitors/support persons, with one present at a time.
• Patients with physical, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and cognitive impairments will be allowed two designated visitors/support persons, with one present at a time.
• Visitation for end of life patients will be managed on a case-by-case basis and multiple visitors may be allowed.

Visitors may enter through the Emergency Department for patients needing emergency services, or through the Main Lobby for all other visitors. All visitors will be screened for fever and respiratory symptoms upon entry, provided a mask and asked to perform hand hygiene. The mask should be worn at all times while in the facility. Designated waiting areas allow physical distancing for visitors and include additional cleaning protocols.

Any visitor not meeting screening criteria will not be permitted to enter the hospital. All approved visitors are requested to stay in the patient room and not congregate in common areas.

“Our safety standards will help patients confidently seek care at our hospital and allow our community to be less worried for loved ones. We are providing the reassurance that our patients, staff and their families deserve,” Kirk added.