Ocean Medical Center In Brick Eases Visitor Rules

Karen Wall
·2 min read

BRICK, NJ — Ocean Medical Center will begin allowing patient visitors again, under strict guidelines, because the cases of the coronavirus in New Jersey are continuing to decrease.

Hackensack Meridian made the changes to its policy on Friday, along with safety rules that apply across its hospital network. The rules follow guidelines set by the state Department of Health.

Visitors must be 18 or older and are allowed from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with the exception of the Emergency Department, where visiting hours are 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Visiting for COVID-19 patients is by appointment only, however. "These appointments will need to be scheduled and coordinated through the patient’s care team," hospital officials said.

Other rules:

  • Patients are allowed one visitor at a time unless the patient is a minor (both parents or guardians are permitted). Exceptions will be made in special circumstances as determined by the facility.

  • Visitors are allowed to wear their own facemasks. If they do not have one, they will be provided with the appropriate PPE and masks and instructed on how to wear them.

    • If visitor refuses to wear a mask or requested PPE, they will be asked to leave the facility.

    • Visitors must wear facemasks at all times within the facility.

  • Visitors must undergo symptom and temperature checks upon entering the facility. If they fail the screening, they will not be allowed to enter.

  • Visitors must perform hand hygiene before visiting a patient. Sanitizing foam or gel will be available.

  • Visitors must remain in the patient's room (or Emergency Department bay) as much as possible throughout the visit, except when directed by hospital staff to leave for specific procedures.

  • Visitors may use the cafeteria and other amenities available to patients.

  • Visitors may not be present during procedures, or in the recovery room, except for:

    • Pediatrics

    • Childbirth

    • Patients with an intellectual, developmental or other cognitive disability

  • For same day surgeries or procedures, patients are allowed one support person.

    • The support person may remain with the patient through initial intake and may rejoin the patient for the discharge process.

  • Visitors may wait for the patient in the hospital’s designated waiting area, while the patient is having his/her procedure.

  • 6-foot social distancing must be maintained in any common areas such as waiting rooms, lobbies, cafeterias, etc.

  • Outpatients may be accompanied by one adult.

Visitors who are having symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed into the hospital.

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This article originally appeared on the Brick Patch