The Outer Banks Hospital has implemented updated policies for visitors at the hospital in Nags Head due to recent increase in COVID-19 cases.
“The Outer Banks Hospital remains vigilant with its screening process for all visitors, entry requirements and visitor restrictions by department. This is an evolving situation and we continue to closely monitor local data, including COVID-19 cases in our area, and will adjust visitation restrictions accordingly,” according to a post on the hospital website.
The visitor policies currently vary by department, and are subject to change without notice.
Hospital Inpatient Departments, Including Surgical Inpatients:
• One (1) healthy adult visitor screened and masked at all times.
• Visitor must stay in patient’s room unless visiting the café or vending area.
• Visitor may switch out with one (1) other healthy adult visitor per day (12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.)
Women’s Center, Labor & Delivery, Maternity:
• One (1) healthy adult visitor screened and masked at all times. During the labor process, one additional labor support person over 18 years of age is also permitted at the bedside for the duration of labor up until two hours post-delivery.
Medical Practices, Urgent Care Centers and Outpatient Clinics
• No visitors allowed in medical practices, urgent care centers and outpatient areas. Patients who are minors, or who fall within ADA guidelines, or require a visitor for clinical care or safety, may have one (1) healthy adult visitor screened and masked at all times in lobby or waiting areas.
• Maternity Visits may have One (1) healthy adult visitor screened and masked at all times during appointment.
Surgical Outpatient Procedures That Require Sedation or Anesthesia
• One (1) healthy adult visitor screened and masked at all times may wait with patient until that patient proceeds to their pre-surgical or pre-procedure area. Visitor may return at time of discharge.
Emergency Department
• No visitors allowed in lobby or waiting areas. Patients who are minors, or who fall within ADA guidelines, or require a visitor for clinical care or safety, may have one (1) healthy adult visitor screened and masked at all times in lobby or waiting areas.
• One (1) healthy adult visitor screened and masked at all times allowed once patient is placed in a room. Patient must be COVID negative to have a visitor.
End-of-Life
• Family members who are screened and masked may visit with guidance from care team and should call the unit for guidance.
Behavioral Health
• No visitors allowed. Ask unit for accommodations regarding virtual visits.
COVID-19 Positive Patients
• No visitors allowed. Ask unit for accommodations regarding virtual visits.
