POUGHKEEPSIE – Visitation across Nuvance Health is temporarily paused except for special patient populations and extenuating circumstances. The change in visitation goes into effect Thursday, August 19, as hospitals continue to see a rise in COVID cases.
This visitation policy update includes inpatient hospital units, emergency departments, ambulatory services, and Nuvance Health Medical Practices. Locally, this includes Northern Dutchess Hospital, Vassar Brothers Medical Center, and Putnam Hospital.
Special populations or extenuating circumstances include patients under 21, neonatal intensive care units, maternity departments, end-of-life patients, or people with physical, intellectual, developmental, or cognitive disabilities.
“Nuvance Health’s goal is to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all patients, staff and essential visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to a statement released by Nuvance. “This is a very important way to limit the risk of possible exposure to COVID-19 to you, your loved ones, and the community,” said Stephen Meth, chief experience officer for Nuvance Health.
Recent data shows the escalation of positive COVID-19 infections in the region. Nuvance Health officials are urging community members to vaccinate against COVID-19 and stop the further spread of the virus.
“We know that visitors and loved ones play an essential role as partners in healing and wellness,” said Meth. “That’s why this visitation policy will be re-evaluated regularly and removed as soon as conditions allow.”
The visitation policy can be found here.
