The new policy is effective Friday, Dec. 4 and reduces visitors on units and in waiting areas

PORTLAND, Maine – In support of a safe care environment for both patients and care team members during the current COVID-19 surge, Maine Medical Center (MMC) is reducing visitation to all inpatient areas, with targeted exceptions.

Under the new visitor policy, visitation is now limited to:

• Pediatrics: Two parent/guardians at a time allowed in all areas.
• Obstetrics: One spouse/coach allowed in labor and delivery area. 
• Critical Care and all other inpatient areas: No visitors except as needed for care plan discussions at the time of admission or as arranged with the care team. Up to four family members may visit patients likely to die within 24 hours with visit times to be managed by the care team. This permission is not to extend beyond one day.
• Outpatient surgery, procedural areas and ambulatory/diagnostic areas: Adult patients should arrange for drop-off and pick-up unless they need special assistance. Visitors are not allowed to wait in these areas. Exceptions can be made in advance for patients who do not live locally. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents/guardians.
• Emergency Department: Visitors are not allowed to wait in the ED. Exceptions will be made for care plan discussions as arranged with the care team or for end of life. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents/guardians.
• COVID-19 patients: No visitors except for end of life.

“This is not a decision that was made lightly,” said MMC President Jeff Sanders. “We understand the importance of visitors to the health and wellbeing of patients and families. These restrictions are necessary to keep our patients, visitors and care team members safe while cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in our communities.”

MMC is continuing to screen all care team members, patients and visitors for COVID-19, require masking in its facilities and encourage social distancing and hand hygiene whenever possible.