Middlesex Health Closes to Visitors

MIDDLETOWN — Effective immediately, all Middlesex Health service locations are closed to visitors except for those making compassionate visits. Compassionate visits include visits to see patients receiving end-of-life care and visits to see patients being cared for in the Middlesex Health Pregnancy & Birth Center.

Visitors who make compassionate care visits must be in good health and over the age of 18 unless special permission is granted. When at the hospital, they must wash their hands frequently to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

The following is Middlesex Health’s revised visitor policy:

• Obstetric patients may be accompanied by one partner or one birth support person. (No children allowed.)
• No visitors or designated support persons are allowed in the Emergency Department, on North 7 and in the Crisis Intervention Unit.
• Patients under the age of 18 may be accompanied by their parents, guardians or one designated support person.
• Middlesex Health staff members will determine the number of visitors for patients who are receiving end-of-life care. These visitors must stay in their loved one’s room for the duration of their visit.
• No visitors or designated support persons are allowed in any other areas of the hospital.
• No visitors or designated support persons are allowed for patients having surgery or a procedure.
• No visitors or support persons can accompany a patient with an appointment at a Middlesex Health facility. This includes all outpatient locations, Middlesex Health’s laboratory locations and any radiology locations.
• All business meetings will be held virtually. No one should visit the hospital for business.
• One MacDonough Place, a Middlesex Health-owned assisted living community in Middletown, remains closed to all visitors—except for visits that are medically necessary.

These changes are being implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Middlesex Health believes that further restricting visitors at its facilities is in the best interest of patients, staff and guests.

Middlesex Health is committed to caring for members of its community, including those who have, or may have, COVID-19. On March 21, Middlesex began evaluating individuals with respiratory symptoms in a designated area outside of the hospital’s Emergency Department front entrance. This is also being done to limit the spread of the illness.

In addition, Middlesex Health is now testing for COVID-19 outdoors. Currently, Middlesex Health is only providing COVID-19 testing to members of the public who are seriously ill, exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 and require admission to the hospital and to individuals from congregant housing, such as nursing homes and shelters.

For more information about the coronavirus, as well as important updates from Middlesex Health, visit MiddlesexHealth.org/Ready. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, call your medical provider before heading to an emergency department, urgent care center or other medical office. They will help you determine your next steps, which may include just staying home and isolating.

Contact Information

Public Relations Director
Amanda Falcone
860-358-6980
amanda.falcone@midhosp.org