St. Mary's Hospital restricts visits because of COVID-19

The exterior of St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City is seen Nov. 10, 2020, from Missouri 179.
The exterior of St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City is seen Nov. 10, 2020, from Missouri 179.

This article is free to all readers because it includes information important to public safety and health in our community.

Because of increased community spread of COVID-19, St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City will further restrict visitors.

All visitation to the hospital is restricted, except:

  • Family Birth Center patients are allowed one support person for the duration of their stay.
  • Pediatric patients must have one guardian at all times.
  • Patients having a surgery or procedure are allowed one support person.
  • Limited visitors may be allowed for end-of-life situations with approval from nursing leadership.

At the Jefferson City hospital, support people must enter through the outpatient entrance 5 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on weekends.

Additionally, the following guidelines are in place:

  • Masks or face coverings are required at all times. Support people are expected to bring their own masks.
  • All entrants are subject to screening, including a temperature check, before entering the facility.
  • Support people are to stay in the patient room or designated waiting area.
  • Support people must follow hand hygiene and social distancing guidelines.

There has been "an alarming increase in hospitalizations from COVID-19" along with a substantial increase in community transmission in the community, Mike Baumgartner, regional president of SSM Health in Mid-Missouri, said in a news release. The restrictions are intended to protect patients and staff, he said.

Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City is evaluating its visitor policy and anticipates making changes next week, according to Lindsay Huhman, the hospital's director of marketing and public relations.

Since early October, CRMC has allowed one visitor per hospitalization and one visitor to accompany patients to clinic visits, outpatient procedures and surgeries. Inpatient pediatric patients may have two parents or guardians present.

Exceptions may be made for end-of-life situations.

All CRMC patients and visitors age 2 and older are required to wear a face mask or covering, except for those with a pre-existing condition that makes it difficult to breathe.

CRMC's inpatient visitation hours are 7-10 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.

Visitors to patients staying in the hospital must enter through the hospital/emergency entrance on the east side of the building near the entrance off U.S. 54