Visitor Policy

McDonough District Hospital announces changes to its Visitor Policy, effective March 12, 2021.

The lessening of restrictions in certain areas of the Hospital come exactly one year later since the implementation of the Incident Command structure MDH put in place to strategically plan for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Easing the Visitor Policy, and subsequent additional traffic inside MDH, will lead to increase cleaning of higher populated areas to help ensure the safety and security of other patients and staff members.

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

“Nearly one year to the day after our implementation of Incident Command for COVID-19 response it’s very exciting that we’re able to 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 allowing one caregiver in many of our areas providing patient care that this will enhance the patient experience and be a satisfier for our patients’ families and staff caring for our patients.”

Endoscopy (EGD and Colonoscopy): MDH will allow one (1) caregiver per patient. Caregivers can stay in the patient room in the endo wing.

Outpatient Surgery: Effective March 22, MDH will allow one (1) caregiver per patient. Caregivers can stay with the patient during pre- and post-operative, and must wait in the waiting room during the procedure.

Acute Care/ICU: Patients are allowed one (1) visitor at a time between 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Outpatient Testing (Cardio, Lab, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine): MDH will allow one (1) caregiver per patient. Caregivers must wait in the designated waiting room during the procedure.

Obstetrics: No Changes. Patients may have one (1) designated visitor during their stay.

Emergency Department: No Changes. Patients may have one (1) designated visitor/caregiver during their stay.

Cafeteria: Visitors who are waiting inside the Hospital for a patient may use the MDH Cafeteria or Coin Café.

MDH Obstetrics/Gynecology Clinic patients and those who have an outpatient surgical procedure scheduled may enter the Hospital through the main entrance (open Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m.). Other patients and visitors must enter through the Emergency Department.

Any visitor who runs a fever of 100.5 or displays symptoms of respiratory illness will not be allowed to enter the hospital and directed home, or encouraged to call the MDH Convenience Clinic or their primary care provider.