Henry Ford Health System Begins Temporary Visitor Restrictions

From Henry Ford Health System:

As you may be aware, Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered health care facilities to prohibit any visitors not necessary for medical care. Additionally, we are required to begin screening people who are seeking entry into our facilities for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

These safety measures, effective until April 5, are necessary to protect our patients, families, staff and community during the outbreak of COVID-19. Of utmost importance is the protection and health of hospital/healthcare workers, and vulnerable patients who are already in healthcare settings. Therefore, effective today (Saturday, March 14), we have put temporary measures into place that restrict routine visiting of family, friends and community at our hospitals and Emergency Rooms until the transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat.

While our patient care philosophy depends greatly on engaging families to be present as part of the healing process, the decision to restrict visitation and limit family presence was difficult. Effective immediately, all visitors will be prohibited from HFHS facilities except for the situations listed below. These exceptions only apply if a visitor screens negative for symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath) upon entry into the building:

• Obstetric patients may have one person accompany them
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Birth parent or guardian who must remain in the room for the duration of the visit.
• Pediatric unit: One parent/care giver who must remain in the room for the duration of the visit.
• Patients who are at the end-of-life may have very limited number of visitors who must remain in the room for the duration of the visit. This includes family members under the age of 16 with permission of the health care team.
• Patients undergoing surgery or procedures may have one driver who must leave the medical center as soon as possible after the procedure/surgery.
• Patients who have an appointment at a Henry Ford Health System clinic, laboratory, radiology or are visiting the Emergency Department may have one person with them if needed to transport the patient into the facility.
• Minors in inpatient behavioral health units may have one parent or guardian visit but not on the unit. Arrangements will be made for off-unit visiting.
• Personnel providing services to HFHS patients (e.g. interpreter services) will be admitted to the facility for the time needed to provide the service.

No other visitors will be allowed in HFHS facilities at this time.

Visitors and patients entering an HFHS facility should expect:

• Entry into HFHS facilities, including Emergency Departments, clinics, diagnostic testing areas, will be limited to main entrance points 24/7.
• Everyone entering an HFHS hospital or Emergency Room must undergo a health screening for symptoms of acute respiratory illness. If a person screens positive, they will not be able to visit while having symptoms and directed to the proper resources if they are suspected of having COVID-19.
• All visiting people must always remain in the patient room except for quick trips to the bathroom or to purchase food. When the visit or appointment is over, visiting people must leave the facility promptly.
• No visitors will be allowed in rooms of patients with pending or positive COVID-19 tests. It is critical that EVERYONE wash their hands or use hand sanitizer each and every time they enter or exit patient rooms and public areas.

We appreciate your understanding during these uncertain times.

Our goal is to protect you, your loved one and our staff. If you have questions, please check our website at https://www.henryford.com/services/infectiousdiseases/conditions/covid-19-coronavirus

Thank you, Your Henry Ford Health System care team