Visitor Guidelines

Updated on Thursday, September 2, 2021

Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health has made it a priority to protect the health and well-being of those we serve. To accomplish this during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to make some difficult decisions. This includes limiting the number of companions able to accompany you when you receive care.

We realize that this decision may be challenging to accept and a source of frustration. These limitations help us keep you and your loved ones, as well as our caregivers, safe. The use of virtual platforms to communicate with loved ones is encouraged and may provide you with a desired sense of connection. Individual locations are able to provide further guidance.

LG Health is following the advice of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health throughout our locations. This guidance, which applies to all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, includes:

Limiting companions

• Please refer to chart below (or information below) for details that apply to specific locations and levels of care.
• All companions must have no fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
• Companions may be required to wear a wristband.
• Children 12 years of age and older are permitted.

Masks or face coverings must be worn by everyone who enters an LG Health location regardless of vaccination status

• Masks must be of sturdy construction and must fully cover both the nose and mouth.
• The following are not permitted: exhalation valves, gators, bandanas, gas masks, any mask that does not completely cover the nose and mouth.
• Face shields should not be worn instead of a mask, unless for medical reasons.
• If necessary, a mask will be provided.

Screening, upon entry, for all patients, companions, and team members

• This includes screening questions.

Keeping 6 feet between each other in all areas, whenever possible

• People living in the same household do not need to stay 6 feet apart from each other.

We will continue to evaluate our visitation policies in order to balance the needs of our patients and families with the need to limit exposure to COVID-19. We hope to return to a more open policy once it is safe to do so.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact our main number at 717-544-5511.

Updated visitation guidelines for Clergy

Clergy visitation will be permitted only for patients at the end of life. Clergy will be considered one of the two visitors who are permitted at any one time for patients at the end of life. Click here to review the guidelines and procedures prior to your first visit to either hospital.

COMPANION GUIDELINES

FOR ALL LANCASTER GENERAL HEALTH FACILITIES

• Screening upon entry
• Mask required
• 6 ft. of distance maintained
• Must stay in room
• Wristband required

PATIENT LOCATION

NUMBER OF COMPANIONS

COMPANION VISITING HOURS

Inpatients - Patients admitted to Lancaster General Hospital, Women & Babies Hospital for observation

1 - Designated companion
For entire hospital stay, any time during visiting hours

10 am – 8 pm

Labor, Delivery, after Delivery (Post-partum)

1 - Designated companions
For entire hospital stay

Unlimited during labor and delivery

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

2 - Parents / guardians
Both parents/guardians at the baby's beside as social distancing allows

Unlimited. One parent/guardian may stay beyond 8 pm

Pediatric - Inpatient (Hospital) and Outpatient (Offices)

1 - Parents / guardian

Hospital 10 am – 8 pm

Patients with disabilities or special needs

1 - Designated companion
plus 1 caregiver for the individual with special needs

Designated companions 10 am – 8 pm and during outpatient business hours

Caregiver (ADA) unlimited/24 Hours as needed in Hospital

Patients at end-of-life

2 at a time may be with patient

As arranged with hospital staff

Patients who have COVID-19

At this time, we are not allowing care companion for patients who are COVID-19 positive. There are exceptions for those patients at end-of-life. We have virtual options available to allow access to patients.

Outpatients – office visit, testing, Urgent Care, outpatient procedure, day surgery

1 - Designated companion 
To accompany patient

Length of appointment or procedure

Emergency Department

1 - Designated companion 
To accompany patient

Limited exceptions granted in emergent situations

Length of stay. If patient is admitted, inpatient guidelines apply. If admitted after hours, care companion may stay for 30 mins. after admission.

Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute

1 - Designated companion 
(must be 18 years of age or older) For clinic visits, first-time meeting for radiation, infusion visits and pediatric patients

Length of appointment or procedure.