UNMH announces changes to visitor policy

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — UNM Hospital is one of many hospitals bringing back COVID-19 restrictions to help slow the spread of the Delta variant.

The change comes as response to rising cases and hospitalizations.

"At UNM Hospital, we’re seeing an increase in the number of COVID patients," UNMH Chief Quality and Safety Officer Dr. Rohini McKee said.

Effective August 9, the hospital will require the following:

• All visitors must be screened for symptoms at the first point of contact
• Visitors may be asked to not wait in the waiting rooms
• Visitors should wait in their cars if they are unable to be in a patient’s room
• If a visitor is in the patient’s room, they must stay in the patient’s room while visiting

The hospital will also only allow one visitor a day. Visiting hours are between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. and visitors must be age 14 or older.

McKee stated that there are "some exceptions for end-of-life care, labor and delivery and pediatric patients".

Labor and delivery patients may have two significant others present in the room during labor. Maternity patients may also have one significant other in the room with them 24/7.

Pediatrics patients are allowed to have their parents and guardians in their room. Parents and guardians can also visit their child 24/7.

In the ICU and ICNs 3 and 4, only one parent or guardian is allowed at their bedside.

End-of-life care patients may have two groups of three visitors, one after the other, which will be arranged by the nurse supervisor or the unit director.

Masks must also be worn in all common areas, such as hallways, bathrooms and waiting rooms. The guidelines are in place until further notice. Hospital officials will give updates as needed.

Visit the UNMH website for full details regarding vistor policy changes.