Blake Medical Center partially lifts ban on inpatient visitation
Blake Medical Center, 2020 59th St. W., announced Wednesday that it has partially lifted its ban on inpatient visitation.
The Bradenton area’s other hospitals, Manatee Memorial Hospital and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, partially lifted their bans on inpatient visitation last week. All local hospitals remain on partial lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Blake Medical Center now allows one visitor, age 18 or older, to visit patients on the inpatient floors between the hours of noon and 4 p.m. seven days a week.
For the safety of patients and staff, all visitors must successfully pass a screening prior to entering the hospital and wear a mask and practice social distancing while in the hospital.
The relaxed visitation restrictions do not apply to patients who are COVID-19 positive or patients being tested for COVID-19. For these patients, the hospital suggests interacting through phone calls, Skype or FaceTime.
Blake’s policy for other areas of the hospital include:
▪ Labor and Delivery. Two visitors are allowed.
▪ Post-partum, NICU, and Pediatrics Units. Two visitors are allowed and one may stay overnight.
▪ Behavioral Health Units. A patient’s attorney of record, a state of federal representative on official duty, and end-of-life situation visitors are allowed.
▪ Coronavirus (COVID-19) Units. For the protection of patients, visitors and caregivers, the hospital does not allow visitors to visit COVID-19 patient; nor does it allow visitors to visit those undergoing investigation for COVID-19.
▪ Exceptions must be approved by the hospital administrator on Call (AOC) or administration and can be made for end of life situations.
▪ Emergency Room. One visitor is allowed per patient in the ER.
▪ Outpatient procedures requiring sedation. One visitor is allowed per patient. Visitor must remain in the designated waiting area. If the patient is admitted as an inpatient, the visitor can visit with the patient after the patient is admitted to his/her room.
▪ Outpatient procedures not requiring sedation. Visitors are not allowed.
▪ Anyone under the age of 18 will not be considered for visitation unless they are the parent of a hospitalized child.
▪ Hospital Cafeteria. Visitors are not allowed.
All persons authorized to enter the hospital must wear a mask at all times, including in a patient’s room and practice hand sanitization upon entering the hospital and upon entering and exiting a patient’s room. They will have their temperature taken, be screened for illness, and asked the following questions:
▪ Have you had a fever and signs/symptoms of respiratory illness (cough, flu-like symptoms, or shortness of breath)?
▪ Have you traveled outside the country within the last 14 days (including a cruise)?
▪ Have you traveled by plane or train in the past 14 days?
▪ Have you been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 without wearing the proper protective equipment?
▪ Are you currently being tested for COVID-19?
If you screen positive (yes) to any of the above – you will not be provided access to the facility unless seeking emergency medical assistance.
Patients may consider using phone, Skype, or FaceTime to communicate with family and friends during this time.
