In response to COVID-19 concerns, St. Luke's hospital has largely prohibited visits to patients as of noon Tuesday, the health provider announced.
The exceptions:
- One adult visitor will be allowed for each pediatric patient.
- One adult visitor will be allowed for each labor and delivery patient.
- One adult visitor will be allowed a vulnerable adult patient or a patient who needs help communicating with the health care team.
- For the rest of the patient population, rare exceptions to the no-visitor policy may be allowed for compassionate-care needs, but family members must call the hospital or unit first to see if the exception will be made.
- Only patients will be allowed in the emergency department, unless the patient is a child, a vulnerable adult, needs help communicating or is experiencing major trauma.
- Patients should visit St. Luke's clinics alone, except for children or those who require assistance.
Also, the main lobby entrance at 10th Avenue East and First Street no longer is accessible to the general public. Visitors must come in through St. Luke's Building A, the SLH Clinic Building or Northland Medical Center.
Those who wish to check in with patients are encouraged to use other methods of communication, such as phone calls, FaceTime and Skype.
St. Luke's also has launched a 24/7 nurse triage hotline for people who suspect they may have COVID-19. A nurse will be able to answer questions and provide guidance at no charge. The number is 218-249-4200.
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