CEO Update | Updates to Our Visitation Guidelines
Fellow Caregivers,
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that patients, their families and their loved ones have struggled with restricted visitation policies. We know it has been difficult on caregivers, as well. We will continue to listen to our patients and make compassionate changes when appropriate.
Beginning today, we have updated our visitation guidelines for all Ohio and Florida locations. Changes include:
- Patients having a major surgery or procedure – defined as those requiring sedation – are allowed 1 designated visitor on the day of procedure
- Pregnant mothers receiving a fetal ultrasound are allowed 1 designated visitor (e.g. father, partner or designated companion on the day of procedure)
These changes do not include lab work, imaging and routine outpatient appointments.
As a reminder, all visitors are now required to wear a mask while inside our facilities, unless they have a health or behavioral condition which prevents them from wearing one.
Compassionate exceptions continue to apply for inpatient and outpatient settings. Decisions to offer compassionate exceptions to visitation should be part of a collaborative, team-based approach. If you or your teams encounter concerns, contact the Ombudsman Office, or refer to these communication resources.
We will continue to monitor the impact of our visitation guidelines on the rate of COVID-19 infections. Contact your manager if you have questions. Thank you for the care you provide for our patients and their loved ones.
Speaking with you and hearing about your work has always been one of my top priorities. I have not been able to visit our teams throughout the health system as before. We simply cannot reconvene in large groups at this time.
I believe it is important to continue my outreach to you. We will begin scheduling virtual CEO Town Halls. Caregivers will participate from a computer or device and have opportunities to ask me questions.
The Town Halls are live events and will be scheduled across the organization. We will also record them for those who are unable to attend. I look forward to this new way of interacting with you.
Tomorrow (Tuesday, June 16) at 5 p.m. I will have a live virtual conversation with Cleveland Cavalier Kevin Love, as part of our ongoing virtual speaker series, Ideas for Tomorrow.
The event is open to all. Click here to register. Or watch the live stream on Cleveland Clinic’s Facebook page and on our event page.
Tom Mihaljevic, MD
CEO and President
New Outpatient Visitation Guidelines for Major Procedures Starting June 15
Effective June 15, the following update to our visitation guidelines is in effect for all Ohio and Florida locations.
All changes are contingent on available space to maintain social and physical distancing for the safety of our patients and caregivers. If you encounter spacing issues, please work with all teams to offer fair, consistent decisions to our patients.
Changes to Outpatient Visitation
Patients having a major surgery or procedure – defined as those requiring sedation – are allowed 1 designated visitor on the day of procedure
Pregnant mothers receiving a fetal ultrasound are allowed 1 designated visitor (e.g. father, partner or designated companion on the day of procedure)
Please note that lab work, imaging and routine outpatient appointments are not included in the above changes.
As a reminder, all visitors are now required to wear a mask while inside our facilities, unless they have a health or behavioral condition which prevents them from wearing one. Masks from home may be worn, or masks will be provided at entrances.
For information on emergency and pediatric department visitation, see the June 8 reactivation information.
Compassionate exceptions continue to apply for inpatient and outpatient settings. Decisions to offer compassionate exceptions to visitation should be part of a collaborative, team-based approach. If you or your teams encounter concerns, contact the Ombudsman Office for scripting and training, or refer to these communications resources.
We will continue to monitor the impact of our visitation guidelines on the rate of COVID-19 infections among our caregivers, patients and their families. Contact your manager if you have questions. Thank you for the care you provide for our patients and their loved ones.