Saint Joseph Berea Adopts No Visitor Policy Due to Concerns about Coronavirus - Archived

BEREA, Ky. (March 26, 2020) – Saint Joseph Berea implemented a stricter visitor policy Wednesday night and will begin screening health care workers to protect patients, staff and community.

These changes will allow Saint Joseph Berea to continue in the spirit of service to our community that have long been a part of our heritage.

The following changes will be in effect at Saint Joseph Berea.

• No visitors will be allowed in the hospital.
• Elective outpatient procedures will be rescheduled.
• 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, 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 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 Berea
Saint Joseph Berea is a 25-bed critical access hospital located in Berea, KY. Established in 1898 on the grounds of Berea College, the facility serves residents of Madison, Estill, Garrard, Jackson and Rockcastle counties. Saint Joseph Berea recognizes the importance of family, friends and familiar surroundings in the healing process and provides a breadth of services so that getting first-rate care doesn’t have to mean being far from home.

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