Maine Medical Center Limits Visitation to Manage COVID-19 Surge

MMC makes this change as community transmission of COVID-19 continues to rise.

PORTLAND, Maine – In support of a safe care environment for both patients and care team members during the current COVID-19 surge, Maine Medical Center (MMC) is limiting visitation to all inpatient areas, with targeted exceptions, effective Saturday, Dec. 11.

Under the new visitor policy, visitation will be limited to:

• Pediatrics and Obstetrics: Two visitors allowed per day, for one visit.
• Emergency Department: Two parents/guardians for pediatric patients, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing.
• Ambulatory/Diagnostic areas: Adult patients should arrange for drop-off and pick-up unless they need special assistance. Visitors are not allowed to wait in these areas. In special circumstances, the care team will determine upon the patient’s arrival if that family member or escort can stay and wait for the patient. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents/guardians.
• Patients Requiring Special Assistance: Patients in any care setting who need help — such as with mobility or communications with the care team about their medical history or care — may be assisted by an adult escort to provide the needed assistance or support. Such necessity will be determined by the care team.
• COVID units: No visitors except for compassionate care, to be managed by Care Team.
• Exceptions: Exceptions may be made for care plan discussions as arranged by the Care Team or for end of life care.

MMC’s full visitation policy can be viewed here.

“These changes mean MMC limits visitors for adult inpatient units, with few exceptions for end of life situations and care plan discussions,” said Jeff Sanders, President, Maine Medical Center. “We recognize that visitors play an important role in a patient’s care and well-being; however, the current environment demands that we take these steps to protect our patients and care team members.”

MMC continues to require masking in its facilities and social distancing and hand hygiene whenever possible. All visitors/escorts are subject to screening for COVID-19.