CHI Texas Division Adopts Highly Restrictive Visitation Policy

HOUSTON (March 24, 2020) – Effective at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, CHI Texas Division will have a new visitation policy in effect to protect our patients, visitors, employees and physicians. We are adopting a stricter visitation policy to align with Harris County’s stay-at-home order, as well as similar actions taken by numerous cities and counties in Texas.

The following changes will remain in effect until further notice.

• No visitors will be allowed in the hospital.

• Exceptions will be managed by medical decision makers in the areas of: end-of-life, pediatric, NICU, labor & deliver, and patients who need language services. However, under no circumstances are children under the age of 18 allowed in our facilities.

  • In extraordinary end-of-life situations, non-COVID 19 patients will be limited to two adult visitors (for a maximum of one hour) and COVID-19 positive patients or Patients Under Investigation (PUI) will be limited to one visitor (for a maximum of one hour). Other exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• We encourage visitors to remain closely connected to their loved ones through virtual means, including Skype, FaceTime, and/or phone.

Until COVID pandemic has subsided:

• Healthcare workers with fever, cough, sore throat, or other flu-like symptoms are not permitted in any area of the hospital, unless seeking care.

• People who have traveled to high-risk areas for COVID-19 or had contact with a person known to be infected with COVID-19 are not permitted to visit any area of the hospital, unless seeking care.

• All patients who are coughing need to put on a mask immediately and keep it on until informed it is safe to take it off.

• Screening staff will escort patients to and from appointments if needed. Friends/family will drop patients off and pick them from the front lobby.

Guidance for Approved Visitors From Exceptions:

• All approved visitors must pass screening at the designated entrances with a list of basic questions to help ensure that individuals who might spread the virus get the care they need while not exposing patients, staff, and other guests

• Approved visitors who are running a fever will not be allowed in our facilities unless seeking care

• All approved visitors must, frequently wash their hands, limit interactions with others, and are restricted to only the location designated by the facility

• All approved visitors will be required to wear a cloth face covering or mask during their hospital visit per CDC and CMS guidelines. If a patient or visitor does not have a mask, the facility will provide one.

We understand this change in policy may be difficult for families, but it is imperative we take additional precautions to keep our patients and community safe during this global pandemic.

Below are facilities impacted by the modified visitor policy:

St. Luke’s Health (serving the Greater Houston community)

• Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center

• St. Luke’s Health—Lakeside Hospital

• St. Luke’s Health—Springwoods Village Hospital

• St. Luke’s Health—The Vintage Hospital

• St. Luke’s Health—The Woodlands Hospital

• St. Luke’s Health—Sugar Land Hospital

• St. Luke’s Health—Patients Medical Center

• St. Luke's Health—Brazosport Hospital

St. Luke’s Health Memorial (serving the communities in Lufkin, Livingston, and San Augustine)

• St. Luke’s Health Memorial Lufkin

• St. Luke’s Health Memorial San Augustine

• St. Luke’s Health Memorial Livingston

St. Joseph Health (serving the Brazos Valley community)

• St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital

• St. Joseph Health Grimes Hospital

• St. Joseph Health Madison Hospital

• St. Joseph Health Burleson Hospital

• St. Joseph Health College Station Hospital