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As TidalHealth works to balance patient safety and support and the desire to reunite loved ones with family members who are hospitalized, starting on Monday, March 15 the restrictions on visitation will be modified at both TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury, Maryland and TidalHealth Nanticoke in Seaford, Delaware.

· One visitor, over the age of 18, per patient will be permitted during a patient’s stay, except for patients suspected of having or confirmed to have COVID-19.
· Visitation hours will be from 2-6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
· One visitor only will be allowed per the patient’s stay - not one at a time, but a single visitor appointed by the patient who will be the only designated visitor for the duration of the patient’s stay. This will assist in keeping the risk of infection lower as COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community.

All visitors are required to wear a face covering or mask that covers both their nose and mouth at all times during their visit. People who are unable to wear a face covering should not visit. Gaiters and bandanas will not be permitted. A mask will be provided for those visitors arriving with either of the two unapproved face coverings.

Visitors must show identification and will be verified as the patient’s appointed visitor. Upon entry, visitors will be screened for fever and other COVID-19 symptoms.
Anyone who is feeling ill or feverish should not visit, and will not be allowed to go to a patient floor if they are found to have a fever or symptoms.
“We have worked very hard throughout the COVID-19 crisis to protect the health of our patients and staff. Our personal protective equipment, social distancing and deep cleaning efforts have helped, but we know it has been very difficult for many of our patients to go through medical procedures and recovery without the support of a loved one,” said Dr. Sarah Arnett, DNP, MS, RN, NEA-BC, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional. “While our bedside care team has gone above and beyond to provide extra support, we are happy to be able to allow this limited visitation. Patients’ loved ones not only provide emotional support, but also can learn from our care team more about a patient’s condition and what they will need when they are discharged.”

• At TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, visitors should enter via the Main Entrance (adjacent to the Emergency Department), located near the Visitor Parking Garage off Vine Street.

• At TidalHealth Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, visitors should use the main entrance.  

“Patient safety is still our priority,” said Ray Fulkrod, Jr., DNP, Vice President and TidalHealth Nanticoke Chief Nursing Officer. “We hope that everyone will respect the need to limit visitation, screen visitors and require wearing a mask. It is important to keep the risk of COVID-19 as low as possible for our patients we help them heal.”

One support person is allowed to accompany a patient in the Emergency Department (ED).  If that patient is later admitted to a medical floor, the support person must follow the modified visitation policy once the patient leaves the ED.
TidalHealth reminds the community that visitation remains closed at both the Tawes Nursing Home and Chesapeake Cove Assisted Living Center in Crisfield, Maryland.