UMass Memorial Medical Center tightens visitor restrictions, expands inpatient beds
Photo | Grant Welker
UMass Memorial Medical Center's Memorial Campus in Worcester
UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester has tightened visitor restrictions again in light of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as limiting testing and expanding inpatient bed numbers, according to a notice sent to patients overnight Friday.
The changes were effective Wednesday.
Under the policies, no visitors will be allowed for adult patients in inpatient units, intensive care units, and emergency departments. One parent or guardian will be allowed at the bedside of pediatric patients, and banded parents or guardians will be allowed only one visit per day, together or separate, in the neonatal intensive care unit.
“We know that having loved ones at the bedside to offer support and be a partner in the healing process is crucial for our patients and their families,” the hospital said in its announcement. “The decision to further restrict visitors was not made easily and we are committed to reopening our hospital to visitors as soon as it is safe to do so.”
At the same time, UMass will be restricting access to some COVID-19 testing, prioritizing those who are symptomatic or being tested before a procedure. This new policy will apply to the 306 Belmont Testing Center, per the notice.
The hospital plans to expand the number of inpatient beds it has available by creating new clinical spaces under the guidance of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
“Referred to as ‘surge planning,’ this is a common practice utilized by hospitals during times of crisis, like this pandemic,” the hospital said.
The changes at UMass Memorial Medical center come as Worcester continues to face record coronavirus case counts during a monumental winter surge taking a toll on healthcare providers across the state.
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