Sheridan Memorial Hospital allows visitations

Due to a decrease in COVID-19 cases within Sheridan County, family and friends are now allowed to visit non-COVID patients recovering or being treated in the SMH in-patient unit. 

During a briefing from SMH leadership, CEO Mike McCafferty made the announcement that visitors are now being permitted to see family and friends who are admitted to the hospital for non-COVID related medical reasons. 

Visitations do 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. 

Last week, when visitations were still in the discussion phase, Chief Nursing Officer Barb Hespen advised visitors to arrive early, allowing time to be screened for COVID-19 before admission. 

Other rules that must be followed include all visitors will be screened for respiratory illness. Visitors must wear a mask for the duration of their visit. Visitors must disinfect their hands upon entering the hospital. All visitors are asked to practice physical distancing in the hospital when possible. No visitors under the age of 18 will be allowed at this time. Pediatric patients may have two healthy screened adult visitors. Visitation in the Emergency Department will be at the discretion of the physician and no visitation is being allowed in outpatient clinics at this time.

Hespen is asking potential visitors to follow rules set by the hospital while in the facility to reduce any possible risk of contamination.  

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.