BREAKING: UnityPoint Health Trinity Elevates Visitor Limitations Due To Covid-19 Surge
BREAKING NEWS: UnityPoint Health – Trinity is modifying its current visitor limitations to only allow one designated visitor per inpatient, during visiting hours throughout the length of the patient’s hospitalization. This change is effective Monday, December 7, and until further notice. This temporary modification creates added protections for our patients and health care workers while allowing hospitalized patients an opportunity to have a designated family member or loved one visit.
We recognize there are times when having a visitor or family member present is crucial. In these cases, a visitor who is designated by the patient, based on the exceptions below, must stay in the patient’s room and wear a mask the entire time of their visit. Once the visitor leaves the patient room, they must leave the hospital. In all cases, a visitor will only be allowed if they are symptom free (do not have symptoms of 
respiratory infection including fever, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath). Additionally, children under the age of 18 will not be allowed as a visitor except under extraordinary circumstances.
These exceptions apply to all UnityPoint Health – Trinity hospitals:
- One visitor, per length of the patient’s hospitalization, will be allowed to visit their hospitalized loved one between the hours of noon and 6 p.m. The visitor must enter the hospital through the main entrance for screening prior to their visit and must remain in the patient’s room throughout the duration of the visit. We also ask that visitors remain masked while in the patient’s room. Please note visitors will not be allowed for patients with a pending or positive COVID-19 test.
- Patients who have an appointment at a clinic located within the hospital or are visiting the Emergency Room (ER), may have one person with them.
- Obstetric patients in labor may have one partner and one birth support person accompany them. Following delivery, postpartum patients may have one partner or support person with them. The support person is invited to return during visiting hours.
- Prenatal patients may have one partner or support person accompany them to appointments.
- Nursery and Neonatal Special Care Unit (NSCU) patients may have one birth parent plus one significant other who must remain in the room for the duration of the visit.
- Patients where the end-of-life is imminent may have two visitors. Two visitors may also be present during discussion of end-of-life care decisions.
- Patients who are discussing palliative care decisions may have one visitor.
- Patients who have cognitive impairments or developmental delays, where caregiver provides safety, may have one visitor.
- Minors under the age of 18 may have two parents or guardians accompany them in all care areas.
- Patients undergoing surgery or procedures may have one visitor stay in the surgical waiting area or ambulatory room until the procedure is finished. After speaking with the surgeon following the procedure, the visitor must leave the hospital as soon as possible. The visitor may return during visiting hours.
- Patients who require mobility assistance may have one visitor accompany them to laboratory or radiology appointments.
We understand these changes may impose an inconvenience to families, but they are important steps to keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible. Limiting visits to hospitalized patients will keep them safe while in our care. The community is encouraged to continue practicing social distancing, masking, and performing frequent hand hygiene to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
UnityPoint Health is the nation’s 13th largest nonprofit health system and the fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, providing care throughout Iowa, western Illinois and southern Wisconsin. As an industry leader in the Midwest, we put people first — they’re our sweet spot, what we care about most, and why we do what we do. Our 30,000 team members are committed to giving each person the type of experience we’d want for our own loved ones. We believe everyday moments are worth celebrating, and as your partner in health care, we’re dedicated to making it easier to live well. UnityPoint Health, UnityPoint Clinic® and UnityPoint at HomeSM provide easier, more personal care to patients and families. Because people are amazing, and we’re here to help keep them that way.
