As state health officials ease some restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Atrium Health has announced it is easing some of its visitation restrictions. Beginning Wednesday, May 27, patients having surgery or a procedure requiring sedation may have one person accompany them.
“Atrium Health has eased some of the visitor restrictions because we understand how important it is to patients and their physical and mental well-being,” said Dr. Suzanna Fox, deputy chief physician executive for Atrium Health. “We recognize that interacting with friends and family can be helpful to the healing process, and by following all of our safety standards, we can now allow a visitor to accompany a patient who is having a procedure or surgery that requires sedation.”
All approved visitors will undergo screening including a temperature check, be required to wear a mask and comply with social distancing requirements. Visitors with respiratory illness symptoms such as cough, fever, or shortness of breath will not be allowed in patient areas of the hospital.
The visitation revisions apply to most patients having surgery or a procedure requiring sedation at an Atrium Health hospital-based or medical practice environment. Visitors will still be restricted for patients in high-risk categories and environments.
All other previously announced restrictions are still in place for hospital inpatient care or standard emergency department services. There are exceptions allowing one visitor for births and end-of-life circumstances. Officials say that when visitation is not possible, friends and family are encouraged to use other forms of support such as phone calls or video chats.