Allegheny Health Network to allow limited visitors at hospitals

Effective immediately, inpatient, observation, surgery and emergency department patients at Allegheny Health Network hospitals are permitted to have one healthy support person on site during visitation hours.

As phased measures are implemented by state and local governments to adapt to evolving conditions of the covid-19 outbreak, AHN on Tuesday announced an updated patient visitation policy for all affiliated hospitals.

AHN hospitals include Allegheny Valley Hospital in Harrison and AHN Hempfield Neighborhood Hospital along Route 30.

Each patient’s support person must remain the same, named individual for the duration of their stay in the hospital. All support persons must be older than 18 and without symptoms of cough, fever or shortness of breath.

“While the ongoing limitations to our visitation policy reflect the best interests of our patients, visitors and staff, we understand how difficult they can be for patients and their loved ones,” said Dr. Eugene Scioscia, AHN’s chief experience officer. “For the time being, we also continue to encourage family members and friends to stay connected with patients remotely via their phones, tablets and computers.”

All support persons must wear a mask within the hospital at all times. Visitation hours are 9 a.m. to noon or 5 to 8 p.m.

Exceptions to the one-support-person rule:

• Covid-19 patients not at end of life will not be permitted support persons.

• Non-covid-19 end-of-life patients will be permitted two support persons in assigned waiting room seats.

• One set of parents is permitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Units for the duration of stay; one parent may be present at the patient’s bedside.

• Clergy visitation is permitted in addition to the patient’s one dedicated support person.

Scioscia said it will be an evolving policy.

“As circumstances related to covid-19 evolve, we will continue to assess and adapt our policy as appropriate,” he said.