St. Luke’s University Health Network has updated its hospital visitor policy in response to a dramatic, ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases caused by patients who contracted the virus after refusing to be vaccinated.

According to a Dec. 8 press release, St. Luke’s is treating approximately 220 COVID-19 inpatients on its 14 campuses, approximately the same number the Network had in its care at this time last year before peaking in late December-early January. More than 80 percent of COVID inpatients are unvaccinated.

“The current surge, largely driven by the unvaccinated population, is placing an enormous burden on our region’s health care system,” said Jeffrey Jahre, MD, St. Luke’s Vice President of Medical & Academic Affairs and Section Chief Emeritus of Infectious Diseases.

“Unvaccinated COVID patients are filling up hospital beds and exhausting medical staff and limited resources,” Jahre said.

“If Pennsylvania moves to restrict elective procedures, it will be due to the strain placed on hospitals by COVID patients who contracted the disease after refusing to be vaccinated,” Jahre said.

“Sadly, the current surge was avoidable. It is being driven by people who chose not to be vaccinated. Our statistics tell the story,” said Jahre.

Under St. Luke’s updated visitor policy, the Network will allow for up to two visitors per patient for the duration of the hospitalization at its hospitals with the following restrictions:

• It’s highly recommend that visitors are vaccinated against COVID-19.

• Visiting hours are noon - 8 p.m. for up to two visitors ages 12 and older.

• Face masks are to be worn (covering nose and mouth) and social distance is to be maintained for the duration of the visit.

• Eating and drinking by visitors should be limited to cafeterias, as available. Visitors may not eat and drink while in patient rooms or waiting areas as this requires face mask removal.

• Visitors must be in good health and may be subject to a health screening.

• Visits for COVID-19 positive patients is prohibited except for those nearing end of life.

• For patients with cognitive or intellectual disabilities one support person may remain with the patient.

Specialty Specific Guidelines:

• Pediatrics

• Two parents or guardians or parent and assigned support person for visiting of a child on the inpatient pediatric unit, pediatric ICU or neonatal ICU may occur at any time.

• Obstetrics

• Two visitors plus one certified doula (if discussed and approved by OB provider).

• Visiting hours per the unit policy. Policies will be reviewed with patient and family at time of admission.

• Siblings are allowed to visit per the unit policy.

• Behavioral Health

• No visitors per specialty policy.

• Skilled Nursing

• 100 percent visitor screening.

• To ensure social distancing, a limit of two visitors at a time.

End of Life

• Visits can occur at any time, but it is preferred if the following times are avoided: 6:45 a.m. - 7:15 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

• Visitors may not congregate in common or waiting room areas while waiting to visit.

• Oncology

• Visitors are not permitted in infusion centers or radiation therapy areas.

• Same-Day Surgeries

• One visitor for patients undergoing same-day surgeries and procedures.

• Emergency Department

• One visitor per patient in the Emergency Department.

The press release states that St. Luke’s understands its visitor policy might present difficulties for some patients, family members and friends, and is sympathetic to those concerns. At the same time, St. Luke’s must be responsible to communities it serves and do what’s best to protect everyone. St. Luke’s urges those who might be impacted to cooperate with physicians, nurses and staff as they help fight COVID-19.

Information: https://www.slhn.org/covid-19