COVID-19

You won’t be near anyone with COVID-19.
The fear of contracting COVID-19 shouldn’t cross your mind when you need emergency care. That’s why we’ve created safe zones in our ER - keeping you separate from anyone we’re treating for COVID-19.

We’re suiting up and scrubbing down even more.
We’ve upped our cleaning and disinfecting protocols - especially for high-touch areas. We also make sure we’re adequately stocked with masks, shields, gloves and towns to help keep you and our staff healthy.

Checking, then double-checking.
For an added layer of protection, we have hospital personnel screening patients for COVID-19 exposure and symptoms before they enter our facility.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT VISITING RESTRICTIONS

No Visitor Policy in Effect 

Visitation restricted effective 12/20/21
Unfortunately, due to the resurgence of the COVID19 virus, Holy Family Hospital does not allow visitors except in specific circumstances. One birthing partner is allowed to accompany a mother in labor. 
Other exceptions for inpatient visitors that will be made at the discretion of the nursing supervisor: 

• Those accompanying patients with ADA needs 
• Special circumstances including compassionate care and end-of-life 

Outpatients may not be accompanied to their appointments by friends or family members. Unfortunately, our waiting rooms are too small to allow for proper social distancing. 

• Exceptions may be made for oncology patients who need support. 

We apologize for the inconvenience this causes patients and their families. However, we must keep our patients, their families, and our staff safe. 

Exceptions may be made in certain circumstances:

• Pediatric care: ONE parent/guardian permitted
• Maternity and Labor and Delivery Units: ONE significant other/support person permitted
• Special Care Nursery: TWO parents/support persons permitted
• Other extenuating circumstances (such as hospice and end-of-life care) will also be considered based on the best interest and needs of the individual patient. All exceptions must be approved by the care team. 
• Please note: For patients with physical and intellectual disabilities, ONE support person over the age of 18 is permitted. Support persons must pass our screening process, and there are no restrictions on visiting hours for support persons 

Visitors or caregivers qualifying for these exceptions must:

• Meet clinical criteria used for general visitation, i.e., pass COVID-19 screening. The screening includes a temperature and symptom check, at least 24 hours fever free without the use of fever-reducing medications, and improved symptoms.
• Use PPE appropriate for the patient they are supporting.  In the event the patient is COVID positive, the support person must use hospital-provided PPE. 
• Wear a face mask for the duration of their visit and are encouraged to bring their own masks; surgical masks will be provided to visitors who don’t have their own. Scarves, bandannas, and handkerchiefs are not allowed. Refusal to wear a mask will result in the revocation of visitation privileges.

Additional Considerations:

• Emergency Department/Outpatient Appointments: No visitors will be allowed in these areas or their waiting rooms. Designated exceptions apply with the approval of clinical staff.
• Surgical Patients: No visitors unless the parent of a child/minor having a procedure. Certain approved escorts will be allowed in certain circumstances with permission from the care team. Approved escorts will then be asked to wait outside of the hospital until the recovery period is complete and the patient is ready to depart. 

While we are sensitive to the difficulties facing loved ones of hospitalized patients, our health care team must keep our patients and staff safe during this unprecedented health emergency.

We encourage family members and friends to use alternative ways to interact with their loved ones, including phone calls, Facetime and Google Duo.

Everyone on Steward properties must have a mask on, including patients and visitors.

Everyone on Steward properties should have a mask on, including patients and visitors.
This new measure has been put in place for your protection, as well as the protection of patients and hospital staff.
We ask for your understanding and appreciate your cooperation in our commitment to keeping our community safe.

PLEASE NOTE: Extenuating circumstances will be considered based on the best interest and needs of the individual patient.

Emergency Department:

•  Currently visitors are not allowed in the emergency rooms on our Methuen and Haverhill campuses. The nursing supervisor can make decisions on exceptions to this policy, for example, in cases of compassionate care.

Outpatients:

• Outpatient visitors are not permitted at this time.

Approved visitors will be screened for the following and may NOT be allowed to visit or stay if they screen yes to:

• Recent international travel history
• Recent domestic travel to areas with widespread COVID-19 infection
• Contact with individuals with known COVID-19
• Cold or flu-like symptoms including cough, fever, shortness of breath

In addition, all visitors must wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer before and after visiting.

Individuals 18 years of age and under will not be permitted (unless a birth mother of a hospitalized infant).

While we are sensitive to the difficulties facing loved ones of hospitalized patients, our health care team must keep our patients and staff safe during this unprecedented health emergency.

We encourage family members and friends to use alternative ways to interact with their loved ones, including phone calls, Facetime and Skype.

Visitation Hours:

Visitation hours at both campuses are as follows: 
Monday - Friday 12pm to 6pm 
Saturday and Sunday: 12 pm to 4pm

For the Haverhill campus, entry for visitors is as follows: 
Monday - Friday 12pm to 4:30 pm; Main entrance 
Monday - Friday 4:30 pm to 6 pm: through the emergency department 

Saturday and Sunday, all hours enter through the emergency department.