Henry Ford reinstates stricter visitor rules at hospitals

Henry Ford Health System has tightened its visitor policies at three Metro Detroit hospitals in response to rising COVID-19 cases. 

Visitor restrictions were reinstated Monday at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township and Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Adnan Munkarah announced during a press conference. 

“We do believe that between vaccinations and adhering to all the safety measures, we can prevent this surge from getting worse,” Munkarah said. “We need to stay vigilant and continue to use all the safety measures that have helped us in the past — wearing a mask, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, washing our hands. We can do it again and now we’re going to be helped by vaccinating people. This not the time to give up.”

Michigan has seen an increase of 133% in cases the past two weeks and a doubling of hospitalizations in that same period. At Henry Ford’s hospitals, 245 patients are hospitalized and another 60 were awaiting admission from the Emergency Department or with suspected COVID-19 awaiting a test result, Munkharah said. 

Beaumont Health System reinstated visitor restrictions Thursday, limiting who can see patients.

On April 5, all Michiganders age 16 and older will be eligible for a vaccine in the state.

►Full details on Henry Ford's policy changes.

What has changed

• Masks must be worn at all times by staff, patients and visitors age 5 and older. Anyone who refuses to wear a mask will not be allowed to enter the facility.
• All patients, visitors and staff are screened for COVID-19 before entering facilities, including a temperature check.
• All visitors should remain with the patient except for quick trips to the bathroom or to purchase food.
• All visitors should refrain from eating, drinking or sharing patient's restroom while visiting the room.
• Visits are discouraged by people who are at high risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19, including older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.
• Hospitalized* patients may have one adult visitor within a 24-hour period, from 10 a.m.–7 p.m. A total of two visitors will be permitted for the duration of the patient’s hospital stay.
• Pediatric patients may have one parent/caregiver accompany them for inpatient stays. One parent/caregiver is allowed for outpatient and clinic visits unless it is for an infant two months old or less. In that case, two parents/caregivers are permitted.

Outpatient/medical center visitor restrictions

• All patients and visitors entering a Henry Ford facility for an outpatient appointment or service will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19, which includes a temperature check. Masks must be worn by anyone 5 and older. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided to you. All safety precautions must be followed.
• Patients who have an appointment at a Henry Ford medical center or clinic, who are coming in for lab or radiology services, or who are getting care in the Emergency Department, may have one person with them to transport the patient into and around the facility.
• Patients in outpatient settings may have one visitor present who is necessary to assist with medical care or daily living, including:
• Visitors accompanying patients who have physical, cognitive or mental disabilities of any kind and require assistance, including patients who are deaf, hard of hearing or blind
• Visitors/caregivers needed to provide support at an appointment that will establish an ongoing treatment plan or discussion of clinical care decisions
• Visitors with power of attorney/surrogate decision-makers, or court-appointed guardianship. They may visit as necessary for the purpose of exercising these powers. This includes visitors who are witnessing/notarizing documents for patients.
• Pediatric patients can have one parent/caregiver with them. For infants less than 2 months old, two parents/caregivers can be with them. 
• For pregnant patients, a spouse/partner may attend the patient's prenatal, ultrasound and NST appointments.
• Drivers for patients undergoing surgery, procedures or emergency care must remain in the designated waiting area and leave the facility as soon as possible.