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Visitor Policy

(October 2022) Following an announcement from the state of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Public Health related to healthcare facilities, McDonough District Hospital announces a change in policy regarding face coverings.

Aside from a few required situations, MDH has removed all previous masking requirements in public areas. Those public areas apply to: the hospital, Health Services Buildings 1 and 2, MDH Drive-Thru, and all MDH outpatient clinics.

“Recently, the state of Illinois updated its masking and testing requirements for healthcare facilities where face coverings are no longer required. In response to the State of Illinois and IDPH policy, effective immediately McDonough District Hospital will remove all previous masking requirements in public areas,” said MDH Chief Medical Officer Edwin Card, MD. “However, we will continue to mask up in certain situations.

    “If the community COVID-19 transmission level increases to High Level, masking requirements hospital-wide may be reinstituted,” said Dr. Card. “Also, any employee or visitor to MDH who wants to continue to wear a face covering are encouraged to do so.”

    There are specific situations where face coverings must be worn.

    • All staff members when in direct contact with patients in the Emergency Department will still require wearing a face covering.
    • All individuals (visitors and employees) in contact with an inpatient must wear a face covering.
    • Anyone experiencing COVID-19 or influenza like symptoms must wear a mask at all times.
    • Anyone who has been exposed to someone who is ill must wear a mask at all times.

    Endoscopy (EGD and Colonoscopy): MDH will allow two (2) caregivers age 16 and older per patient. Caregivers can stay in the patient room in the endo wing.

    Acute Care/ICU: Patients are allowed two (2) designated visitors age 16 and older at a time to enter the hospital (visiting hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m.).

    COVID-19 Inpatients: COVID-19 inpatients are allowed one (1) visitor per day, age 16 and older (with the exception of two (2) caregivers if the patient is a minor).

    Outpatient Testing (Cardio, Lab, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine): MDH will allow one (1) caregiver age 16 and older per patient (with the exception of two (2) caregivers if the patient is a minor). The caregiver must wait in the designated waiting room during the procedure.

    Outpatient Surgery: MDH will allow one (1) caregiver age 16 and older per patient, with the exception of two (2) caregivers if the patient is a minor. Caregivers can stay with the patient during pre- and post-operative, and must wait in the waiting room during the procedure.

    Obstetrics: Patients may have two (2) designated visitors age 16 and older during their stay.

    Emergency Department: Patients may have two (2) designated visitors/caregivers during their stay.

    The main Hospital entrance is open Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Patients and visitors must enter through the Emergency Room entrance after those main entrance designed hours.