PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems has announced it has revised its visitation guidance for families of patients with COVID-19 who are nearing end of life.

 

In order to help families and loved ones to be present when end of life is approaching, the following visitation guideline is now in effect:

 

COVID-19 positive patients nearing the end of life can have one loved one visit for a half hour. The visit should be arranged with patient's clinical provider and the BMC Patient Experience Department. The identified visitor will be informed of the risks of visitation and the need to quarantine afterward. They will be screened for symptoms of COVID upon entering the hospital.

 

A loved one with COVID symptoms cannot visit, but a virtual visit can still be arranged by the hospital. If the loved one is at high-risk for COVID complications due to age or health issues, a virtual visit can also be arranged.

 

If desired, the identified visitor can substitute a COVID-19 lower risk loved one to perform the visit for someone who may be at higher risk or has COVID symptoms. 

 

The identified visitor for these patients will be contacted by the BMC Patient Experience Department to set up a visit time. They will be met at the front door of the hospital and accompanied to the unit.

 

Hospital staff will assist them with putting on and taking off the personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by the hospital. They must wear the PPE and remain in the patient room during the whole visit. They will be escorted out and provided information on quarantining, symptom monitoring and testing.

 

End of life visitation for non-COVID patients has not been changed and will continue under existing guidance.

 

For any questions, please call the BMC Patient Experience Department at 413-447-2466.