Allegheny Health Network (AHN) has issued an updated visitation policy for its network hospitals, including AHN Saint Vincent. 

Effective immediately, inpatient, observation, surgery and emergency department patients at AHN hospitals are permitted to have one healthy support person on site during allotted visitation hours. 

Restrictions may still apply if the limits of safe capacity are reached in waiting rooms and other areas. 

Each patient must have a single designated support person for the duration of their stay in the hospital. Additionally, the support person must remain the same throughout their stay. 

All support persons must be over the age of 18 and without COVID-19 symptoms including cough, fever or shortness of breath. They will be screened at designated entry locations upon each visit and will need to present a valid photo ID. A mask must be worn at all times. 

Visitation hours are 9 a.m. to noon or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Visitation hours for a patient’s supporter will not be limited in the following circumstances:

  • Minor patients under the age of 18
  • Patients who have an intellectual, developmental or cognitive disability, communication barrier, or behavioral concerns
  • Patients receiving end of life care
  • Labor and Delivery, including postpartum patients

 Exceptions to the one support person rule are as follows:

  • COVID-19 patients not at end of life will not be permitted support persons
  • Non-COVID-19 end-of-life patients will be permitted two support persons in assigned waiting room seats
  • One set of parents are permitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Units for the duration of stay; one parent may be present at the patient’s bedside
  • Clergy visitation is permitted in addition to the patient’s one dedicated support person

AHN officials continue to encourage patients and families to stay connected via phones, tablets and computers.