News
SMH to implement visitation plan
Sheridan Memorial Hospital is working to implement a limited visitation plan for non-coronavirus patients for the New Year.
During a press briefing from SMH leadership, Chief Nursing Officer Barb Hespen spoke on the plan to allow a limited number of visitors into the hospital.
The plan would permit one individual to visit someone that has been admitted into the hospital for in-patient treatment not related to COVID-19.
The visitation would not extend to the clinic where COVID-19 patients are being treated. Visitations to the emergency department will be determined on a case by case basis.
Hours for visitation will be Monday through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to come early, Hespen said.
SMH leadership are encouraging one-person visits to in-patients once they are permitted as a vital part of the healing process and mental health for patients in recovery or treatment. SMH leadership and staff are working to implement limited visitations as soon as Jan. 4 or 5.
Albert Hitchcock
January 1, 2021 at 9:02 am
This is a step in the right direction! As a minister I have seen a huge decline in mental health of patients and families of patients. I pray the hospital consider clergy as essential visitors in addition to family soon. I know the first responsibility of hospital staff is the health of the patients, as it should be, but the separation from people is just as devastating. Thank you for all the hard work you do every day! God bless you!
Kim Ashley
January 2, 2021 at 12:20 am
This is a great start….now lets start doing the same thing at the nursing homes in the area? As someone who used to work at a local nursing home, I saw how loneliness is taking it’s toll on the residents and I think that visitation would be such a boost to morale! Good job!