CHI Saint Joseph Health Facilities Adopts No Visitor Policy Due to Concerns about CoronavirusCHI Saint Joseph Health Facilities Adopts No Visitor Policy Due to Concerns about Coronavirus - Archived

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 26, 2020) – Over the next few days, CHI Saint Joseph Health will implement several new measures designed to protect our patients, staff and community, including a more restrictive visitation policy and screening of our staff and health care providers at all facilities.

These changes will allow CHI Saint Joseph Health facilities to continue in the spirit of service to our communities that have long been a part of our heritage.

The following changes will be in effect at Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph East, Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East and Continuing Care Hospital.

• Elective outpatient procedures will be rescheduled.
• No visitors will be allowed in the hospitals.
• One visitor for labor and delivery (birthing partner) in the maternity unit at Women’s Hospital.
• One visitor allowed for end-of-life care.
• One parent or guardian will be allowed for patients under age 18.
• Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Personal belongings will be limited to those essential for the hospitalization.
• All employees and health care providers will be screened at designated entrances of the hospitals.

During this time, hospital visitors may want to consider alternative communication options with patients in the hospital, such as phone, Facetime, Skype, text or email.

The zero visitor policy also applies to visits to providers with CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group and the CHI Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care Centers, with some exceptions. CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group and the cancer care centers continue to care for patients in offices and clinics. Exceptions will be made for a parent or guardian for a patient under age 18 or for patients who require assistance. If you have an appointment, please check with your provider before leaving home for any special instructions. Patients should contact their regular health care provider by phone first if they are experiencing symptoms like cough, low-grade fever or other respiratory issues.

CHI Saint Joseph Health understands this change in policy may be difficult for families, but it is imperative we take additional precautions to keep our patients and community safe during this global pandemic

For more information on how to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, visit www.chisaintjosephhealth.org/novel-coronavirus.

About CHI Saint Joseph Health
CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of Catholic Health Initiatives, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 135 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes and home health agencies. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. CHI Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to building healthier communities by elevating patient care through an integrated physical and behavioral health delivery system. CHI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About Saint Joseph East
Saint Joseph East is a 217-bed full service community hospital located in the southeastern section of Lexington, KY. Established in 1983, the facility serves residents of central and eastern Kentucky. At Saint Joseph East, ambulatory surgery, 24-hour emergency care and women’s health services are supported through a vast array of inpatient and outpatient programs.

About Saint Joseph Hospital
Saint Joseph Hospital is a 433-bed hospital located in Lexington, KY. Established in 1877 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Kentucky, the facility serves residents of central and eastern Kentucky and is a nationally recognized tertiary medical center. Saint Joseph Hospital is Lexington’s first hospital. The hospital’s original mission was to provide compassionate care to the poor and underserved – a tradition still carried out today.

About Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East
The Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East is a 16-bed Level III NICU located in Lexington, KY. Established in 2010, the facility serves residents of central and eastern Kentucky and is a state-of-the-art hospital dedicated exclusively to the health and well-being of women. The facility features patient- and family-centered design and amenities.

About Continuing Care Hospital
Continuing Care Hospital is a long-term acute care hospital in Lexington, Ky., located within Saint Joseph Hospital. Established in 2002, the facility is licensed as a general acute care hospital that serves residents of central and eastern Kentucky, and addresses the unique and complicated physical, emotional, spiritual, nursing and rehabilitation needs of long-term patients.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information:
Mary Branham, Director, Communications
P: 859.313.2642
[email protected]