New Visitor Policy Allows for Overnight Visitors

Kaweah Health exists to improve the health of our community. Our mission statement highlights our commitment to both health and to treating those that we serve with compassion. With that in mind, we are pleased to announce we have new visitor guidelines approved by our Board of Directors that reinforce these commitments. These new guidelines are a result of a lot of input from staff and members of the community, and they will assist in our efforts to provide more patient-centered care.

For the most part, these changes reflect what our visitor policy was before the Covid pandemic. We understand that being in the hospital can be stressful for patients, and having their support system at their bedside helps them feel more comfortable and supported during their care.

The biggest change to our previous policy is allowing patients to have one visitor stay overnight. This overnight visitor must be at least 18 years old. They must check back in at the main entrance to receive an overnight visitor badge before doors lock at 9 p.m. There will be no re-entry after 9 p.m.

Children will be allowed to visit patients throughout the hospital as long as those ages 15 and under are accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

We are allowing up to four visitors in the Emergency Department waiting room, however only two visitors may accompany the patient into treatment rooms. When hallway beds or chairs are utilized, only one visitor may be allowed to remain with the patient. Children aged 12 and under may have two visitors with them at all times. The number of allowed ED visitors fluctuate based on saturation levels and ED census. (There will be no visitors allowed in ED Zone 4, which is reserved for mental health services.)

As always, staff have the right to remove any visitor deemed disruptive to patient care or unit operations.

These new guidelines were written with the well-being of our patients and staff in mind. Working with family members can enhance the care and support our patients receive when they return home. There are also instances when having a family member at the bedside can be an asset to the healthcare providers.

We recognize these changes may present operational adjustments, and we appreciate your flexibility as we implement them together.

To review the entire policy, you may find AP119 in Policy Tech.