Hospitals initiate restricted visitor policies

Valley Regional Medical Center and Valley Baptist Medical Center have initiated restricted visitor policies to safeguard their patients, staff and physicians. Both hospitals will no longer be accepting visitors.

The restricted policies take effect at noon today and will continue until further notice.

Administration may make exceptions to the visitation policy with restrictions for:

>>Laboring mothers

>>Pediatric and NICU patients

>>Patients in a critical state at end of life

>>Patients undergoing an emergent procedure or surgery

>>Emergency Department patients who are critically ill or unable to make decisions for themselves

Any approved visitor:

>>Must be 18 years of age or older;

>>Will be screened for temperature, COVID-19 symptoms, possible exposure and recent travel history;

>>Must bring a facemask to wear at all times while in the hospital; and

>>Observe all hospital protocol and appropriate social distancing.

While both hospitals understand the importance of in-hospital patients having family members and loved ones by their side, this measure is necessary in order to best protect patients and those providing care.