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Visitor Guidelines

COVID-19: Keeping You Informed



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. 

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.  
  • Expecting mothers may have one support person throughout labor and postpartum. A certified Doula may also be an additional support person during labor.
  • 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). 

Hospice patients may have TWO (2) visitors at a time provided the following guidelines are followed unless the patient is in isolation or under observation for symptoms of COVID-19.  During the first 14 days of a patient’s stay at Hanson Hospice Center, the patient will be in Precautionary Droplet Isolation. For a full list of guidelines, click here. 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.



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