ROCKPORT and BELFAST — In order to continue providing the safest care environment, while addressing the supportive needs of patients, Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital will update their visitor policies, effective Friday, December 17, 2021.

Visitation will be limited to:

Hospital Inpatient Areas:

 Pediatrics: Two parents/guardians allowed in all areas, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing.

 Obstetrics: One spouse/coach/visitor. Doulas also permitted when the obstetrician is aware of their requested presence and they have been part of the prenatal process.

 All other inpatient areas including critical care: One visitor at any one time from 1 to 4 p.m. each day. Exceptions may be made at the time of unit admission or for care plan discussions, and must be approved by the Chief Nursing Officer or Chief Medical Officer.

- Patients on Palliative Care/Comfort Measures: Two visitors at any one time daily, during designated visiting hours. Exceptions may be managed by the care team.

 End of Life in any inpatient area: Up to four family members at any one time may visit patients likely to expire within 24 hours (all areas) – visit times to be managed by the care team.

 PBMC PARC Unit: Visitors not permitted

 Patients in isolation for COVID-19 infection or being evaluated for COVID-19 infection: No visitors except for End of Life.

 Visitors will not be allowed in any units with an active COVID-19 outbreak.

Patient Discharges: Patients will be brought to an appropriate entrance for pick up.

Outpatient Surgery and Procedural Areas: Adult patients should arrange for drop-off and pick-up unless they need special assistance. Exceptions can be made in advance for patients who do not live locally. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents/guardians, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing.

Emergency Department: One person allowed as an escort, only if the patient requires help with mobility, support or communication with care team, such necessity to be determined by triage or care providers. Escorts will be asked to drop off patients and return to their vehicle while care is being provided.

Ambulatory/Diagnostic Areas: Adult patients may be accompanied by one person, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents/guardians, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing.

Patients Requiring Special Assistance: Patients in any care setting who need help, such as with mobility or communications with the care team about their medical history or care, may be assisted by an adult escort to provide the needed assistance or support, such necessity to be determined by the care team.

All visitors/escorts are subject to screening for COVID-19. Visitors/escorts with any COVID-19 symptoms will NOT be allowed to enter PBMC and WCGH facilities. Visitors/escorts must 1) perform hand hygiene prior to entering and upon leaving the patient’s room/care area; 2) wear a mask at all times in the facility; and 3) not go to any locations in the facility other than the room of the patient they are visiting. Hospital cafeterias remain closed to visitors.

“These restrictions are for the protection of patients, employees, visitors and the public, are consistent with guidance from governmental authorities, and are adopted for the purpose of reducing the potential for propagation of the COVID-19 virus,” said the hospitals, in a news release.

These restrictions will remain in effect until further notice and are imposed by order of the hospitals’ Chief Medical Officers and Chief Nursing Officer.

To ensure patients receive the best and safest care, Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital have put in place additional safety measures during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about how the hospitals have created a safe space for patients, go to mainehealth.org/coronavirus-covid-19/safe-appointments.

About Pen Bay Medical Center

Pen Bay Medical Center is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit pbmc.org.

Waldo County General Hospital

Waldo County General Hospital is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit wcgh.org.