Hospital updates visitation policy, due to rising COVID cases
Published 11:06 am Wednesday, July 21, 2021
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Due to recent increases in confirmed COVID-19 cases and rising hospitalizations as a result of the Delta variant, Our Lady of the Angels Hospital in Bogalusa is limiting visitors to its hospital facilities except in extenuating circumstances, such as end-of-life care. This update is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
Visitation of patients, who are not COVID-positive, will be limited to one visitor/advocate (18 years or older), who may remain at the bedside throughout the patient’s hospital stay. The advocate should be the patient’s spouse or a close relative who can help make health care decisions, if needed. The patient will identify their advocate upon admission. If the primary advocate cannot stay at the bedside, the patient may select an alternate (spouse or close relative) while the primary advocate is away. Visiting hours end at 6 p.m. If the designated advocate chooses to leave for the night, they may return the next morning when visiting hours resume — 8 a.m. for Medicine and Labor & Delivery, and 10 a.m. for ICU.
For patients admitted with COVID-19, one essential visitor/advocate will be allowed for one hour per day (alternating in person and via iPad), at a time coordinated with the physician/nurse care team, except in end-of-life situations where extended times of visitation may be coordinated with the Director of Nursing or House Manager.
“We are concerned by the upward trend in cases and hospitalizations across our region,” said Dr. C. Bryan Miller, chief medical officer at Our Lady of the Angels. “We know how invaluable family support is to our patients, but we must take the necessary precautions to protect our patients and our team members.”
All visitors and patients will be required to wear masks upon entering and while inside Our Lady of the Angels facilities.
As alternatives to visiting, family members and friends are encouraged to use methods for staying connected to loved ones such as phone calls, video chats or sending cards. Patients and families can work with their care team to arrange these methods.
Our Lady of the Angels continues to remind the community that everyone plays an important role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine, call 985-730-6970.