Patients & Visitors

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Merit Health River Oaks allows for a member of the patient's care team (spouse, domestic partner, family member or friend) to be present with the patient for emotional support during the course of the stay, unless:

• The patient does not consent
• The individual's presence infringes on the privacy, rights, safety or therapeutic treatment of the patient.

Merit Health River Oaks will not restrict, limit or otherwise deny visitation privileges on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. Any patient has the right to:

• Withdraw consent for care team members to visit, at any time
• Request clergy's presence

When certain illnesses require that the care of the patient be carried out in an intensive care or isolation environment, members of the patient's care team may visit:

• Under direction of the nursing staff
• In adherence to infection control guidelines

A parent/guardian must stay with the pediatric aged patient at all times. If the parent of the child cannot stay, another parent approved adult family member should remain with the patient during hospitalization.

Patients in NICU are allowed two (2) visitors at a time. Only parents, grandparents or a support person/significant other in lieu of a parent or grandparent may visit.

ICU and emergency department patients may have one (1) visitor age 18 years or older.

Postpartum patients may have four (4) visitors at a time. No age restriction.

Labor and delivery patients are allowed two (2) visitors ages 18 years or older.

For the safety of all patients, staff and visitors, the following are prohibited while on Merit Health River Oaks campus.

• Smoking, to include any type of e-cig or vaping device
• Alcohol
• Unauthorized drugs or illegal substances

Injuries sustained by a patient, or any member of the patient's care team, should be reported immediately to the:

• Unit and/or nursing supervisor
• Risk manager

Vendors, sales and service representatives must check in upon arrival according to materials management guidelines and abide by all facility policies with regard to visitation and infection control practices. Vendor representatives are NOT authorized to be present in any department of the facility without a vendor or contractor pass obtained from purchasing/materials management (Reptrax).

In order to promote a safe environment for the hospital and surrounding community, Merit Health River Oaks staff, patients and care team members are encouraged to:

• Follow applicable infection prevention and control practices in accordance with MSDH and CDC guidelines, and facility expectations
• Refrain from visiting the facility when experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, until symptoms have resolved
• Practice frequent hand washing/sanitation to protect others from the spread of germs and viruses