Erlanger Updates Visitor Policies

Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in our region, the visitor policy for all Erlanger facilities has been updated and will begin tomorrow, Wednesday, August 18. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for special needs and end-of-life patients.

For all Erlanger Health System Hospitals unless otherwise noted:

Inpatient Visitation – Erlanger Baroness, Bledsoe, East, North, and Western Carolina Hospitals have implemented a no visitor policy for inpatients. Minors, under age 18, at Children’s Hospital may have two visitors (parent or guardian) with option for overnight stay.

Obstetric – obstetric patients at East and Baroness Hospitals may have two support people during the entire time at the facility. Support visitors cannot switch out with another person during visitation period.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – NICU patients at East and Children’s Hospitals may have one birth parent plus one significant other who must remain at the bedside for the duration of the visit.

Emergency Departments – Erlanger Baroness, East, North, Bledsoe, Sequatchie, and Erlanger Western Carolina Emergency Departments have implemented a no visitor policy for Emergency Department patients. Children’s Hospital Emergency Department patients may have two visitors. End-of-Life patients can have two visitors if approved by Emergency Department Management.

Outpatient Services – Adult patients, who have an appointment at an Erlanger hospital-based clinic, laboratory, or radiology cannot have a visitor without prior approval from the practice. Children’s Hospital and Kennedy Outpatient Center outpatients/ambulatory patients may have two visitors.

Adult Surgical Services/ Procedures – Erlanger Baroness, East and Western Carolina Hospitals have implemented a no visitor policy for Surgical Services.

No visitors will be allowed for patients who have a pending or positive COVID-19 test.

Everyone entering any Erlanger facility is required to wear a mask.

Due to the changing nature of COVID-19’s presence in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina, this policy will be revised accordingly in response to circumstances.

More info here: www.erlanger.org/about-us/coronavirus-response