Patient and Visitor Information

What is LVHN's hospital and outpatient visitation policy during COVID-19 outbreak?

During the COVID-19 crisis, we understand how difficult visitation restrictions may have been, but our efforts helped slow the spread of infection in our community. As we continue to see declines in the number of COVID-19 cases across our region, we are ready to welcome back visitors into select areas to provide support and companionship to our patients.

Mask Policy Reminder

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Pennsylvania Department of Health release new guidance that states fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a mask, it is important to know that these updated guidelines do not impact hospitals and health care organizations.

All patients, visitors and colleagues are still required to wear a mask at all LVHN facilities, regardless of vaccination status.

Hospital and Inpatient Visitation

In adult inpatient units, including all critical care, medical-surgical and low-level monitoring units:

• Visitors are allowed from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Exceptions may be considered and approved by patient care services leadership.
• Visitation is limited to one visitor at a time (does not need to be a designated person). Exceptions may be considered and approved by patient care services leadership.
• No visitors are allowed for patients with COVID-19, except for patients who are at end-of-life.
• All visitors are required to wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose at all times and should remain in the patient’s room.
• The patient is permitted to eat and drink with visitors in the room. However, visitors should not eat or drink in the patient’s room. Visitors should visit the café to eat or purchase a drink.
• Elevator capacity remains limited to allow for social distancing. Visitors must abide by the signage posted in each elevator.

For Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute:

• Two visitors are permitted to accompany patients in our physician practices, radiation oncology, multidisciplinary clinics, genetics, hemophilia and survivorship clinics.
• One visitor is permitted in our infusion areas for those patients who are undergoing their first treatment. For return patients, the no visitation policy remains in place.
• Masks are required at all times.
• Patients and visitors are screened upon entry.

In women and children’s units:

• Pediatric areas, including Children’s ER, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and pediatric inpatient unit:
  • Two parents/guardians may remain at the bedside at all times.
  • One additional, designated support person is allowed at the bedside from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Children under age 12 may not visit.
  • Exceptions may be considered and approved by patient care services leadership.
• Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU):
  • Parents/guardians may designate up to four support adults who may visit one at a time with a parent/guardian in attendance from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Bedside visitation is limited to two individuals at a time; one individual must be a parent/guardian.
  • Children under age 16 may not visit at this time.
• Obstetrical areas:
  • In mother-baby and perinatal units, one support person and one additional visitor at a time are allowed from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Children under age 12 may not visit.
  • From 8 p.m.-9 a.m. only the support person is allowed.
  • Exceptions may be considered and approved by patient care services leadership.
• Triage:
  • A support person is allowed only until an admission decision is made.
• Labor and delivery:
  • One support person and one additional visitor at a time are allowed.
  • Children under age 12 may not visit.
  • During the second stage of labor and delivery (or the birth of the baby) a second support person is now allowed.
  • Exceptions may be considered and approved by patient care services leadership.

In behavioral health units:

• No visitors are allowed on adult units.
• One visitor per day is allowed on adolescent units.

Outpatient Appointment Information

For all outpatient appointments, one visitor is permitted to accompany a patient for an outpatient appointment, procedure, same-day surgery or LVPG office visit.

• Visitors will wear a face mask at all times. A mask will be provided to those who arrive without one.
• Visitors will have their temperature taken and will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
• Visitors will follow social distancing rules.

Outpatient Visitation Policy for Oncology Patients Receiving Treatment

Visitors are not permitted to accompany patients undergoing infusion or radiation oncology treatments:

• If the patient requires assistance getting to the registration area, someone may escort him or her. We will then take the patient back to receive treatment.

Non-Treatment Outpatient Appointments
For outpatient appointments that do not involve treatment, such as mammograms and patient provider appointments, one visitor is permitted to accompany a patient. No child under age 12 will be permitted as a visitor.

Attention Drivers
If you are a driver for a patient receiving treatment, we encourage you to either go home or wait in your car. Please make sure the person you drop off has your phone number. You will receive a call when the patient’s treatment is finished.

Updated Visitation Policy for Clergy

Effective April 6, clergy are permitted to visit patients in LVHN hospitals. If clergy chooses to enter the room of a patient with confirmed or possible COVID-19, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as directed by the nursing staff.

Pastoral care services also are available at each LVHN hospital to support and attend to patients’ diverse spiritual needs.

Hospital Visitor Screening

When you visit any LVHN hospital location, staff will take your temperature at main entrances and at the emergency department using a forehead thermometer.

If you have a temperature higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you will be directed to postpone your visit.  If you have a temperature lower than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, staff will ask you a series of questions to ensure you are not at risk of spreading COVID-19.

If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 or may have been exposed to someone who has it, you should take any of these steps to be screened:

• Complete an E-Visit (a detailed questionnaire visit submitted to an LVHN provider) by visiting MyLVHN.org or the MyLVHN app.
• Call the MyLVHN Nurse Information line at 1-888-402-LVHN {5846).
• Complete an LVHN Video Visit by downloading the MyLVHN app.

Updated Surgery Waiting Room Policy.

In all LVHN surgery waiting rooms, only one visitor is permitted per patient. Visitors are being seated at least six feet away from one another. Visitors are encouraged to use the EASE app, which sends real-time updates to loved ones. Visitors who drive patient for surgery are asked if they are willing to leave their phone number and go to another location so they can be called when the patient is ready for discharge.

 

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Our hospital campus locations

Find helpful information specific to each hospital regarding parking, dining options and more.

Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest in Allentown

LVH–17th Street in Allentown

LVH–Muhlenberg in Bethlehem

LVH–Hazleton in Hazleton

LVH–Pocono in East Stroudsburg

LVH–Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street and LVH–Schuylkill S. Jackson Street, both in Pottsville.

As neighbors and members of your communities, we are here to care for you and your family throughout life.

Helpful hospital information

Each hospital has its own information page on LVHN.org (links are listed above). We invite you to visit the hospital information page for specific local information, including:

• Hospital address and contact information
• Parking and valet details
• Visitation information
• Dining options
• Descriptions of programs and services
• How to send a card or flowers
• Locations of our chapel and meditation areas

We are here for you

If you have additional questions or have a special request during your visit, please speak with any LVHN employee. We are here to help you.