Allegheny Health Network adjusts visiting policy, other hospitals still have limits

With covid rates and hospitalizations dropping, Allegheny Health Network is changing visitation policies at its hospitals.

The hospital system announced Tuesday that effective immediately its hospitals are allowing multiple people to visit a patient one at a time.

Patients can have only one visitor in a facility at a time during the regular visiting hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, that support person can change throughout the day. For example, a patient’s spouse can visit in the afternoon, and a parent can visit in the evening. Clergy visitation is permitted in addition to the support person.

“At AHN we understand that a patient’s recovery from illness or surgery is greatly enhanced by having a loved one or support person present,” said Dr. Brian Parker, AHN’s Chief Quality & Learning Officer.

Exceptions from the 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. time-frame are being made for patients under the age of 18, patients who have an intellectual, developmental or cognitive disability, communication barrier, or behavioral concerns, end-of-life patients, and labor and delivery patients.

Excela Health’s current policy allows a patient to have one visitor at a time during regular visiting hours but that support person can change throughout the day, according to Excela spokesperson Robin Jennings.

UPMC is still limiting patients to just one designated visitor or support person but that policy could change at some point according to UPMC spokesperson Lisa Lombardo.

“We’re flexible and accommodating according to our patient’s needs,” said Lombardo. “We’re always thoughtful and mindful to create the best outcomes for our patients.”

AHN said visitors who have covid-19, are symptomatic, have been exposed to the virus, or have covid-19 test results pending will not be allowed to visit.

“Protecting patients is our number one priority,” said Dr. Parker. “We ask our visitors to work with us to keep our patients, guests and staff healthy and safe. We will continue to re-evaluate regulations as the covid-19 pandemic continues.”