Effective Friday, January 13, 2023

General Visiting hours

General hospital visiting hours are unrestricted between 8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. If you wish to stay after visiting hours, please obtain permission from the charge nurse.

Visitor Guidelines

The following are general guidelines for visitors:

• Only two visitors allowed with the patient at a time.
• Children under the age of 14 are not allowed unless special permission is granted by management.
• Visitors under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
• No overnight visitors allowed unless special permission is granted by management.
• Individuals who have colds, sore throats, or any contagious diseases should not visit patients.
• Visitors should speak quietly and avoid unnecessary noise.
• Visitors may be asked to leave the room at the staff's discretion.
• Visitors must wear shirts and shoes.
• Smoking is not allowed in any portion of the hospital building or grounds.
• Lounges for visitors are located throughout the hospital.

To provide the optimum therapeutic environment, health care providers reserve the right to limit a patient's visitors. Please feel free to discuss these guidelines with the charge nurse if special circumstances need to be considered.

Maternity Care

• Visitation hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. To ensure a quiet, comfortable, and safe environment, it is requested that no more than three to four visitors be present at the bedside at one time.
• Between the hours of 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., to ensure a safe and quiet environment, visitors may be limited to two to three. Visitors are encouraged to visit for shorter periods of time during these hours.
• COVID-positive patients may have one designated visitor.
• Only one designated support person may stay overnight after delivery.
• During delivery, support persons are limited to two designated visitors.
• “Golden Hour”, immediately following delivery for one hour, two designated visitors will be allowed in the patient room, not including the support person.
• No one under the age of 12 will be allowed on the unit with the exception of siblings of the baby.
• Thorough hand hygiene is encouraged for all visitors.
• All visitors must self-screen for symptoms of illness. A visitor with symptoms of illness or a positive or pending COVID-19 test should not visit.

Intensive Care Unit

• Visitors must be 18 years or older must wear masks at all times.
• Up to two visitors are allowed at one time for COVID negative patients.
• One designated visitor for the entire hospitalization is allowed for COVID positive/presumed positive patients, and they can only enter once per day. Additional PPE is required during entire visit.
• No overnight visitors allowed.
• Visitors of COVID 19 positive/presumed positive patients must sign a waiver to enter.
• End-of-life patients may have additional visitor(s) on a case-by-case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate

If you have been vaccinated against COVID-19 but can't find your vaccination card, you can obtain a record of it on the Access Indiana site: INDIANA VACCINATION PORTAL

Simply sign up for an account to receive your vaccination details, including the date administered, facility, and manufacturer.

Extra Safety Measures have been put in place for your protection.

Major Health Partners takes the health and safety of our team members very seriously. MHP has developed this COVID-19 Safety Plan as part of our efforts to reduce the potential for exposure to and spread of the coronavirus. This plan is based on information available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). Our organization will continue to monitor coronavirus-related guidance and will communicate any changes to this plan. We are counting on all employees to do their part to promote a healthy, safe environment. If you have questions about this plan, please contact your director or HR.

1. Employee Health Screening Process

• MHP has instituted the following health screening process for all employees entering our facilities:
• Upon reporting for work, all employees will report any fever (> 100.4ᵒ), and all potential exposures to COVID-19
• Employees will self-monitor for symptoms including fever (> 100.4ᵒ), new/worsening cough, and difficulty breathing. If these or other symptoms develop, employees will self-quarantine and contact HR.
• An employee exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 will be asked to immediately return home and not report to work until they are cleared of having COVID-19 and have been symptom-free for at least 72 hours.
• Employees are consistently reminded to stay home if they are exhibiting any symptoms.

2. COVID-19 Testing and Diagnosis

• Any employee who tests positive for COVID-19 or is diagnosed by a healthcare provider with COVID-19 should not report to work but should immediately notify HR.
• Any employee who tests positive for or is diagnosed with COVID-19 must stay out of the workplace for at least 10 days after illness onset (the date symptoms begin) and at least 3 days after recovery (the day symptoms are resolved, including the resolution of fever without fever-reducing medications).

3. Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols for the Workplace

The following enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols will be in place until further notice:

• Disinfectant products are available and being used throughout our facilities.
• High-touch objects and surfaces such as workstations, keyboards, telephones, handrails and doorknobs are cleaned AND disinfected frequently
• Our Environmental Services team has increased the frequency and depth of cleanings to ensure all areas of the workplace are thoroughly cleaned with additional regularity.

4. Enhanced Personal Hygiene Measures

• MHP requires all caregivers to wash their hands with soap and water regularly and thoroughly, including at the beginning of each shift and upon returning from any break.
• Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout our facilities for caregivers, patients, and guests to use.
• When soap and water are not readily available and when hands are not visibly soiled, the use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is acceptable.
• Avoid touching our eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• We discourage all handshaking - instead, use other non-contact methods of greeting.

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person that was first identified in Wuhan, China.

How does COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 spreads from person to person. The virus is thought to spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may also be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes; however, this is not the main way the virus is thought to spread.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory illness symptoms including:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

To help protect yourself and others, MHP recommends the following:

• If you have flu-like symptoms, wear a mask.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (such as cell phones, keyboards, and doorknobs) using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Eat healthily and get good sleep.

Should I wear a facemask?

The CDC does recommend that people who are well use a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

How long is the incubation period?

Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear 2-14 days after exposure.

What if I test positive for COVID-19?

• Stay home except for medical appointments. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. This means that you should restrict activities outside your home, except for medical care. Do not go to work, school or public areas, and you should avoid public transportation, ride sharing or taxis while sick.
• Stay away from others as much as possible, including in your home. Try to stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home.
• Avoid sharing personal household items, and wash items thoroughly after use with soap and water.

How is COVID-19 treated?

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.

What should I do if I am exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19?

MHP is now performing COVID-19 testing in our primary care offices. We are also offering testing at MHP Priority Care, located at 30 W. Rampart, Shelbyville, (open Monday through Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday 8 a.m.-2 p.m.) is able to test patients who meet the CDC or Indiana State Department of Health testing criteria. Criteria include both symptoms and assessment of risk factors, like known exposure to a person with COVID-19, and consideration of chronic medical conditions. If you are not having any symptoms, then you would not be tested at this time. Please DO NOT drive to your doctor’s office. If it is a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

If I am a recovered COVID-19 patient can I donate plasma to help infected patients?

Versiti is collecting plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients to help treat others diagnosed with the virus. This blood-related treatment - approved by the FDA as an Emergency Investigational New Drug (EIND) - could offer hope to the hundreds of patients who continue to be diagnosed. This treatment would be used by hospitals for the most severely affected patients. Participants must be eligible to donate blood. For more information: 1-866-702-HOPE (866-702-4673) or visit https://www.versiti.org/covid19plasma

Does MHP offer antibody testing?

COVID-19 IgG antibody testing, also known as serology testing, checks for a type of antibody called immunoglobulin G (IgG). If you have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, your body typically produces IgG antibodies as part of the immune response to the virus. Antibody tests may not be able to show if you have been exposed to COVID-19 because it can take at least two weeks after exposure to develop antibodies. This type of COVID-19 test requires a Physician order and is for individuals who think they may have had COVID-19 and do not currently have symptoms. This test does not tell you if you have an active infection. Consequently, not all patients are appropriate candidates for this type of testing, so please consult your doctor to see if you are a candidate.

Will I be able to choose which vaccine I get?

You are able to see the vaccine(s) available at each location when you schedule your appointment at ourshot.in.gov.​

What are the dangers of contracting COVID-19?

Approximately 80% of those infected with COVID-19 will only experience mild symptoms and not require hospitalization. In extreme cases, individuals have experienced pneumonia, multi-organ failure and death.

What is Major Health Partners doing to ensure the health and safety of the communities it serves?

MHP is continuing to work in close contact with the Indiana Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration to obtain to latest statistics and details. We are taking all necessary precautions to protect our patients and staff.

For additional information and rolling updates on COVID-19 please refer to:

• Indiana State Dept of Health
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration