COVID-19
Response
Click here for COVID-19 resources and information about the steps we're taking to keep our communities safe

Visitor Guidelines

covid19-banner2



Current Visitor Guidelines

Spectrum Health Lakeland has revised their visitor policies to help keep patients, family members and team members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, comply with State of Michigan orders, and preserve personal protective equipment (PPE).

Effective June 15, 2020 revised visitation guidelines allow for one visitor per patient and two visitors for pediatric patients in hospital and ambulatory/outpatient settings. No visitors are allowed on the COVID-19 unit. All visitors will be screened upon entering a Lakeland facility and required to wear a mask. Further details regarding specific facility visitation guidelines are listed below. 

Niles, St. Joseph and Watervliet hospitals:

  • Visitation hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily 
  • All visitors will be screened and provided a mask as they enter the facility each day they are visiting. If you prefer, you may wear a N95 or surgical masks from home, if it meets the isolation mask requirement. You will be notified during screening if the mask does not meet requirements and provided a new mask. Those who decline masking, will be denied access to Spectrum Health Lakeland facilities.
  • A patient may have one designated visitor for the duration of their hospital stay who is over the age of 21. If a visitor leaves the building and returns during normal visitation hours, they will need to be re-screened before entering the facility again.  
  • Following screening, the visitor must go directly to the patient's room. A mask must be worn while in public spaces at the hospital and all clinical settings within the hospital, including hallways and common areas. Masking is required in the patient's room when a team member is present.
  • Visitor badges must be visible and worn at all times. 
  • No outside food or drinks will be allowed. 
  • Overnight stays are not available at this time. 

Ambulatory and outpatient setting:

A patient can bring a family member/guest with them if: 

  • The patient is a minor or under 21 years old (two family members may accompany minors)
  • The patient needs physical assistance to get to and from the visit and/or assist with activities of daily living
  • The patient has a guardian and medical decision maker (Power of Attorney) that must be involved in the consent and care
  • The patient has cognitive deficits and requires support
  • The visit involves reviewing studies and developing a plan of care (includes all OB patients)
  • The patient is going to have a procedure that involves sedation
  • The patient is being transported by any transportation services (i.e., Pine Ridge, PACE, Medic-1, SMCAS, Pride)

Patient and family/visitor will be screened and provided a mask upon entry to the facility each day. Face masks must be worn in public areas and within exam offices. Family members or visitors who decline masking, will be denied access to Spectrum Health Lakeland facilities and will be encouraged to use other methods of communication to support their family member. 

Pine Ridge and Hanson Hospice Center:

Effective immediately, Pine Ridge will no longer be scheduling in person visitations. Going forward, visitation can occur via exterior window only, with exceptions for one visitor for end of life care or other significant reasons as identified by a member of the care team or the administrator. Family members can schedule a window visit by calling the facility directly at 269.983.6501 (dial 8 for the latest on visitation restrictions and COVID-19 updates). 

Patients at Hanson Hospice Center will be granted two (2) visitors per day in compliance with the current state guidelines. Visitors must be 21 years of age or older, in good health, complete and pass a daily health screening, provide personal identification, and use proper PPE. Visitors who wish to come outside of the hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. can call the Hanson Hospice Center at 269.4082262 prior to their visit to allow coordination with pre-screening that is to be completed at Pine Ridge. All visitors will be pre-screened at Pine Ridge prior to coming to Hanson Hospice Center for all visits at this time.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and information is subject to change. We appreciate the public’s cooperation and understand this is an extremely difficult time for everyone.

Staying in Touch with Loved Ones

Spectrum Health Lakeland understands how important it is to stay in touch with loved ones during this time. To stay in contact and up to date on a patient’s medical situation we are recommending social apps like FaceTime, Facebook messenger, Skype, or other virtual calls. Guest Wi-Fi network is available for patients to alleviate the use of personal data plans. Visitors can also call 269.983.8300 and ask for a patient by name and be connected directly to their room phone number.



Continue Watching

Check-Up: Michael O'Hearn – Running Injuries

Physical therapist, Michael O'Hearn shares information on how to avoid common running injuries.

Aug 6
The Second Chance that Inspired a Career

Emergency care for liver failure at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph, gave Brandon a new life…and a new life direction.

Jul 31
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Michael Aldrich "Make Food Fun Again"

Michael Aldrich suffered from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) nearly his whole life.

Jul 15
We're Ready for You at Spectrum Health Lakeland

While the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us all in new ways, we want you to know we are here for you.

Jul 8
Knee Replacement: Tom Norbey "Nothing to Be Scared Of"

Tom Norbey spent years in pain before he considered getting knee replacement surgery at Lakeland Medical Center.

Jun 25
Check-Up: Emotional vs. Physical Hunger

Registered dietitian, Selena Diaz, RD, explains how you can tell the difference between physical and emotional hunger and steps you can take to help stop cravings.

Jun 19
Lose Weight...Find Health at the Lakeland Weight Loss Center

Drs. Seth Miller and Michael Schuhknecht from the Lakeland Weight Loss Center share more about the latest options for losing weight and local resources, including bariatric surgery.

Jun 18
Lakeland Sets Aside $50 Million to Address Racial Equity and Health Inequities

The Board of Directors of Spectrum Health Lakeland approved an expanded strategy to address racial and ethnic health equity in Southwest Michigan.

Jun 12
Check-Up: Understanding the Pre-operative Liquid Diet

A liquid diet helps jump start weight loss and reduces the size of the liver.

Jun 11
COVID-19: Lowell Hamel, MD "The Fight of His Life"

Lowell Hamel, MD, never imagined he would soon be battling for his own life in the fight against COVID-19.

Jun 2
Provider Video Profile: Katrina Hamel, PA (Family Medicine)

Katrina Hamel, PA is a family medicine provider at University Medical Specialties in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Jun 1
Physician Video Profile: Alexander George, PA (Neurosurgery)

Introducing Alexander George,PA at Lakeland Neurosurgery. As a physician assistant he helps treat those with a variety of neurological disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and nerves.

Jun 1
We're Ready for You - Loren Hamel, MD

If you have a health need right now, then it deserves our attention right now. Whether you want to see us virtually or in person, don’t delay your care. We are ready for you.

May 28
Gentle, Compassionate Care Close to Home

At Spectrum Health Lakeland, we're part of a team of 80 da Vinci ® surgeons who are specially trained in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques.

May 22
Provider Video Profile: Heidi Schmeltzer, AuD (Ear, Nose & Throat)

Audiologist, Heidi Schmeltzer, AuD, treats hearing or balance problems for individuals from birth through adulthood at Lakeland Ear, Nose and Throat.

May 5
Check-Up: Is Your Ear to Blame for Vertigo? (Paul Judge, MD)

Lakeland Ear, Nose & Throat otolaryngologist, Paul Judge, MD, explains how vertigo, a room-spinning sensation, is often times driven by problems in the inner ear.

May 1
Lakeland MyChart Computer/Desktop Video Visit

Watch step-by-step how to start a Spectrum Health Lakeland MyChart video visit using your desktop computer.

Apr 24
Lakeland MyChart Mobile Video Visit

Watch step-by-step how to start a Spectrum Health Lakeland MyChart video visit using your mobile device.

Apr 24
We Stay Home For You

Thank you to all those serving on the front lines. You are the true heroes. Together, we are strong. Together, we will see this this through.

Apr 24
Physician Video Profile: Gary Witucki, DO (Wound Care)

Gary Witucki, DO, is a wound care physician seeing patients at Lakeland Wound Center in St. Joseph and Niles.

Apr 21
© Spectrum Health Lakeland 2020