CoxHealth and Mercy Hospitals change visitor policies

June 12, 2020
Sheila Harris
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Beginning Friday, June 12, both Mercy and CoxHealth Hospitals are revising their visitor policies.

   CoxHealth will adjust visitor restrictions in a few key areas across the health system, as follow:

• Inpatient: Most non-COVID patients in the hospital will be allowed one visitor for two consecutive hours per day. Visitors may choose between one of two open visiting opportunities: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., or 4 – 6 p.m. These hours are consistent across all campuses.


• Emergency departments and Urgent Cares: Patients will be allowed one visitor for the first and last 30 minutes of treatment to assist with admission details and discharge planning.


• End-of-life care: Patients who are at end-of-life, or on comfort care, will be able to have two visitors at a time.

    Visitors to CoxHealth are required to wear a mask covering the nose and mouth; will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 upon entry; and must wash their hands when entering and exiting the patient’s room. They are also encouraged to stay six feet away from the patient.

    CoxHealth’s previous visitor restrictions at all facilities will stay in place except for the new guidelines outlined above. To read the complete list, click here.

Mercy Hospitals' visitor policies are revised as follow:
    Beginning, June 12, at 6 a.m., Mercy’s hospitalized patients will be allowed to have one visitor per day.
This is effective at:

• Mercy Hospital Springfield
• Mercy Hospital Aurora
• Mercy Hospital Cassville
• Mercy Hospital Lebanon
• Mercy St. Francis Hospital

    Visitors will have their temperature taken and must answer COVID-19-related questions. Visitors should bring and wear a mask throughout their time inside the facilities.

   For now, to promote social distancing, Mercy’s clinic and outpatient visitor restrictions remain in place. In our clinics and outpatient locations, adult patients cannot have a visitor with them at their appointments, with these exceptions:

• Interpreters
• Medical decision-makers
• Those necessary to ensure patients receive care
• Young children can accompany parents/guardians if child care is not available

    “Our patients and their loved ones have been so understanding of our recent policies, which were designed to limit the risk of COVID-19 infections among our patients and caregivers,” said Craig McCoy, president of Mercy Springfield Communities. “Mercy recognizes how important family and friends are to a patient’s recovery, and we’re so pleased to be able to welcome them back into our hospitals.”
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   Mercy will continue to monitor COVID-19 infections in our area and make adjustments as necessary.