To create a better experience for hospitalized patients and the teams that care for them, Nebraska Medicine is making changes to its inpatient visitor policy.
Effective Monday, Nov. 21, the following changes are in effect:
- Visitor hours for Nebraska Medical Center and Bellevue Medical Center will be 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., seven days a week.
- If visitors arrive outside of those hours, public safety officers at the entrances will call the patient care area for approval.Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and labor and delivery may determine exceptions to these hours, as they often allow 24/7 visitation.The number of visitors permitted at one time is at the discretion of the unit. Some considerations should include available space in the patient room, semi-private rooms or status of patient. Ideally, inpatients would receive two visitors at one time.Visitors will be limited to two at a time for patients in any type of isolation.
- All visitors are expected to wear a mask at all times when in patient rooms, waiting rooms and hallways.
End-of-life patients
Detailed guidelines are being eliminated around the number of visitors and the duration of those visits. Those details can be left up to the nursing leaders in that area to provide as much care and compassion as possible. This includes patients in isolation.
Waiting Areas
Waiting areas now are open on most inpatient units.
- Visitors must remain masked.
- Visitors must go to a cafeteria or coffee area to eat or drink. It is not permitted in waiting areas.
- The Emergency Department at Nebraska Medical Center’s waiting area cannot safely accommodate visitors. Those visitors will be directed to Storz Pavilion to wait.
Please note the following:
- Visitors must wear a procedural mask at all times. Please speak up if a visitor (or colleague) is not wearing a mask.
- Visitors should wash their hands/use hand sanitizer upon entering a patient room.
- Vendors are allowed entry by appointment only. They must be masked and escorted by the colleague who arranged the visit, though exceptions can be made for the OR and cath lab. It is highly recommended they be vaccinated.