Temporary Policy Change Due to COVID-19 – CAH 304 | Patient Access and Visits | Effective July 29, 2021

Family members and loved ones play a key role in supporting and comforting those who are sick. However, we must remain diligent to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In order to follow best practice guidelines for physical distancing and to protect the health of both patients and healthcare workers, the following restrictions are in place.

Visitor Access and Conduct

• Visitors must wear a mask covering the nose and mouth while in the facility.
• Visitors must enter through the main entrance for COVID screening.
• Visitors who have COVID-19 symptoms or who have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 within the past 14 days will not be permitted
• In-person visitation is not permitted for patients with COVID-19. Zoom visits may be arranged
• Visitation hours are 10 AM – 5 PM.
• Visitors should remain in the patient’s room during the visit.
• Visitors should limit traffic in hallways and congregating in the cafeteria and waiting rooms is prohibited.
• Visitors should follow physical distancing guidelines and hand hygiene frequently.
• Children (less than 18) are not permitted for visitation.

Inpatient or Emergency Room, and Surgical Patients

• One visitor at a time will be permitted.

Allowable exceptions include:

• End-of-life patients are permitted two visitors at a time. Depending on the circumstance, visitation may be made using technology.

Birthing Center Patients:

• One visitor at a time will be permitted in addition to one consistent support person permitted for the duration of the patient’s hospital stay.
• If the support person leaves the building they must re-enter through the main entrance for re-screening. Support persons will not be allowed re-entry after 6 PM.

Patients in clinics, lab, or diagnostic imaging:

• One parent/support person for pediatric patients.
• One support person may be permitted for patients who require support/assistance for mobility or cognitive impairment/dementia. Due to space limitations, the use of technology may be required.
• One support person for a 20-week ultrasound.

Note: Patients will not be denied access to care.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Parking

Parking for patients arriving for appointments in our primary care, specialty care clinics, radiology, or surgery please use our main entrance on Maple Street and enter through the circular driveway.

Parking for visitors of patients in our inpatient unit or the Birthing Center please use our South entrance, located between the hospital and the Gifford Auxiliary Thrift Shop on Route 12 South.

Download: Gifford Medical Center – Main Campus Map (PDF)

Cafeteria

Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hot Breakfast: 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast: 7 – 10:30 a.m.
Hot Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Light fare: 1 – 2 p.m.

The cafeteria is located on the first level of the hospital.

Chun Chapel

The chapel at Gifford is open 24 hours a day, 7-days a week as a place for quiet reflection, prayer, or meditation for all denominations. Scripture materials from several traditions are available as well as spiritual resources for all ages. It is located around the corner from the Visitors Entrance at the south end of the hospital by the entrance to Howell Pavilion/Inpatient Rooms.

Community Walking Program

The indoor Community Walking Program has been closed. We encourage you to walk outdoors as weather permits.