Visitor Policy

McDonough District Hospital announced an update to its Visitor Policy, effective April 6.

As per CDC and IDPH guidance for healthcare facilities, visitors and patients MUST continue to wear a mask or face covering while inside MDH, any MDH clinic, both of the Health Services Buildings, and inside the MDH Drive-Thru.

Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or has been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 10 days are asked not to visit or accompany a patient.

Wearing a face covering is still mandatory inside all MDH buildings. One will be provided to patients and visitors if necessary.

“Nearly two years after our initial COVID-19 response it’s very exciting that we are able to further ease some of our visitor restrictions while hardwiring our safety practices that are in place,” said Wanda Foster, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer. “We hope that by safely allowing two visitors in many of our areas providing patient care that this will enhance the patient experience.”

Endoscopy (EGD and Colonoscopy): MDH will allow two (2) caregivers age 16 and older per patient. Caregivers can stay in the patient room in the endo wing.

Acute Care/ICU: Patients are allowed two (2) designated visitors age 16 and older at a time to enter the hospital (visiting hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m.).

COVID-19 Inpatients: COVID-19 inpatients are allowed one (1) visitor per day, age 16 and older (with the exception of two (2) caregivers if the patient is a minor).

Outpatient Testing (Cardio, Lab, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine): MDH will allow one (1) caregiver age 16 and older per patient (with the exception of two (2) caregivers if the patient is a minor). The caregiver must wait in the designated waiting room during the procedure.

Outpatient Surgery: MDH will allow one (1) caregiver age 16 and older per patient, with the exception of two (2) caregivers if the patient is a minor. Caregivers can stay with the patient during pre- and post-operative, and must wait in the waiting room during the procedure.

Obstetrics: Patients may have two (2) designated visitors age 16 and older during their stay.

Emergency Department: Patients may have two (2) designated visitors/caregivers during their stay.

The main Hospital entrance is open Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Patients and visitors must enter through the Emergency Room entrance after those main entrance designed hours.