FARMINGTON — Franklin Memorial Hospital officials have eased inpatient visitor policy restrictions.

Changes to expand the hospital’s visitor policy were implemented Wednesday and will remain in effect until further notice, according to a statement.

“In light of recent changes throughout the MaineHealth system and nationwide in visitation policies and a downturn in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state, we have been able to safely ease up our visitation policy to allow more people to visit their loved ones at the bedside,” Dr. Ross Isacke, chief medical officer, said. “Whether during the saddest of times with a critical illness or the happiest with the birth of a child, being together is an essential part of healing and the health of our patients and their families. With this updated policy, we will improve the well-being of our loved ones while still supporting the safety of our other vulnerable patients and our care team.”

Visitors and escorts are permitted in hospital inpatient areas, within these limits:

• Pediatrics: Two visitors allowed in the room at any given time; no limit on the number of visitors per day. A minor younger than 18 will be allowed in the patient room with an adult visitor; masking is required for youths older than 2.

• Obstetrics: Two support persons 18 or older are allowed during labor and delivery.

• Post-partum: One support person is allowed at all times. During the specified visiting hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., one additional person 18 years old along with one visitor under 18 accompanying the adult. Youths older than 2 must be masked. No limit on number of visitors per day.

• All other inpatient areas, including critical care: One visitor allowed in the room at any given time, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with no limit on the number of visitors daily. A minor younger than 18 will be allowed in adult inpatient rooms accompanied by an adult visitor; masking is required for youths older than 2. Please note: this would mean two visitors in a patient room in these circumstances.

• Patients on Palliative Care/Comfort Measures: Two visitors allowed at a time. Visiting hours to be managed by the care team. For patients likely to expire within 24 hours (all areas): Up to four family members may visit at a time. Visiting hours are to be managed by the care team (all areas).

• Patients in isolation for COVID-19 infection or being evaluated for COVID-19 infection: No visitors except for end of life patients. See the nursing supervisor for guidance.

• Visitors will not be allowed in any units with an active COVID-19 outbreak.

• Visitors are only permitted in areas going to and from the patient’s room in all units.

All visitors/escorts are subject to screening for COVID-19. Visitors or escorts with any COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter the hospital facilities.

The hospital cafeteria remains closed to visitors.

To review the entire visitor safety measures visit: https://www.mainehealth.org/Franklin-Community-Health-Network/Patients-Visitors

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