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Scheduling & Visitor Restrictions

We will be rescheduling some patient appointments and procedures in an effort to protect our patients and staff. Conserving personal protective equipment helps us prioritize the needs of those who may require immediate care. Adjustments to scheduled procedures and appointments will be made as requested by the physician, patient or as required by official local or national public health authorities. We will contact you directly if your appointment or procedure is postponed until a later date. During this time, all Princeton Baptist Medical Center facilities will remain open to care for patients who require in-person visits and time-sensitive care. Thank you for understanding our need to take these measures for the safety of all.

Visitor Restrictions

Effective 5/3/2021, by order of the Governor of Alabama and the State Health Officer, each patient or resident of this facility enjoys certain rights to have caregivers or visitors present, subject to reasonable restrictions and current guidance from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). If you have questions, you may ask to inspect the facility’s written policies concerning visitation.

COVID Positive Patients and Patients Under Investigation (PUIs)
  • (All Areas)

    • Patients at End-of-Life

    • (2) Visitors only (if multiple visitors present, must designate only two (2) for visitation)
      • No “swapping” as this will help limit COVID exposures
      • MICU may limit this to one (1) visitor depending on ECMO interventions in area
    • Hospital will provide appropriate PPE for visitors
    • Visitors will be escorted by Chaplain, Palliative, or Nurse to patient care areas
      • Nursing/Palliative/Chaplain will provide education to Visitors during visitation
    • Will allow designated decision-maker to visit to help decide plan of care (but with same guidance as above)

    Patients Recovering

    • COVID Positive/Patients Under Investigation who are not End-of-Life will not be allowed visitation
      • This will help decrease spread and limit COVID exposures

    Remaining Patient Population (NON-COVID Patients)

    Visitors Allowed:

    • There will be two (2) support persons allowed per patient, per 24 hour period. This includes Non COVID Patients in the Emergency Department.
      All visitors entering the hospital must screen negative based on the following:
      List of COVID-19 symptoms:
      • Fever (>100.0°+)* with or without chills
      • Cough, with or without sputum production
      • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
      • Fatigue
      • Muscle or body aches
      • Headache
      • New loss of taste or smell
      • Sore throat
      • Congestion or runny nose
      • Nausea or vomiting
      • Diarrhea
      • Close contact (within 6 feet) in the last 14 days with a person who is confirmed positive for COVID-19

    Visitors will have a different color sticker when compared to Patients

    • Colors will be decided based on availability

    Overnight stays will be allowed for visitors

    • Floor staff will check temps daily (during morning rounds)
    • If visitor has temp or exhibiting symptoms, will be asked to leave hospital

    Caregiver “swapping”

    • “Swapping” will be allowed only once every 24 hours

    Caregiver/Visitor Meals

    • Caregivers can utilize Cafeteria, but must immediately return to room once meal purchased

    OB Patients

    • OB patients will be allowed one visitor on the day of delivery.

    End-of-Life

    • Visitors can “swap,” but only two (2) at a time
      • Must be escorted by Palliative, Chaplain, or Nurse to patient care areas


     

    An exception to any limited visitation policy at the hospital is patients with disabilities who require support from family members or staff in order for them to effectively communicate with medical personnel or otherwise receive equal access to medical treatment.