UAB Medicine Patient & Visitor Guide 2021 | Page 30

SAFETY & CHANGES DURING COVID-19

At UAB Medicine , the safety of our patients , guests , and employees is our top priority . During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , UAB Medicine is taking numerous steps to help prevent the spread of the virus , including temperature checks and other screenings for everyone at entrances , promoting social distancing , restricting the number of visitors , and requiring masks or face coverings for everyone while inside our hospitals and clinics . In addition , UAB Medicine has been operating under a limited business model , which means that some medical and non-medical services are not available at this time or are only offered during certain hours or with certain restrictions . Many of these changes are highlighted below .
1 . ALL PATIENTS AND VISITORS WILL BE SCREENED UPON ENTRY
Patients and visitors to all UAB Medicine facilities will be screened upon entry for fever and other symptoms of COVID-19 . Anyone who has a positive screening will not be allowed to enter but will be given instructions on how to receive further screening .
2 . EVERYONE MUST WEAR A MASK
All employees , patients , and compassionate care visitors are required to wear a mask or face covering while inside all UAB Medicine facilities . The mask must be worn correctly , covering the mouth and nose , and must not be removed unless requested by a health care provider .
3 . RESTRICTED ENTRANCES
Please be aware that access to the hospital will be limited to specific points of entry from 5 am to 8 pm for hospitalized patients or compassionate care visitors only . There will be no access to our facilities outside of these hours . During those hours , you may enter through :
• North Pavilion Emergency Department
• North Pavilion second-floor access from 4th Avenue parking deck
• Women & Infants Center main entrance
• Spain Wallace first-floor entrance on 19th Street
• UAB Hospital-Highlands Emergency Department and main entrance
4 . VISITATION RESTRICTIONS
To help ensure the safety of our patients and employees , visitation remains restricted within UAB Medicine facilities with few exceptions , including those deemed a compassionate caregiver or when a patient is having a surgical / medical procedure . Please visit uabmedicine . org / visit to see our detailed visitor policy that provides expanded guidance for each care area .
Compassionate caregivers will be considered in situations where their presence improves the patient ’ s safety , emotional well-being , or physical care . This visitor must :
• Follow our mask / face covering policy , wear a visitor badge at all times , and comply with entrance screenings .
• Practice appropriate hand hygiene and limit the touching of surfaces in patient care areas .
• Stay in the room : Caregivers are asked to remain in the patient ’ s room and not leave the unit except for basic personal needs ( ex : food , restroom ). Caregivers may order meals through room service for a nominal fee of $ 8 / tray by calling 4-MEAL ( 6325 ).
5 . WALKWAY CLOSURE
The bridge between the UAB Women & Infants Center and Children ’ s of Alabama is closed to through traffic at this time , unless it is required by medical necessity . The restricted access is for the safety and well-being of our patients , faculty , staff , and community .
6 . UNAVAILABLE SERVICES
Some UAB Medicine services are not available at this time . These services include :
• Bingo
• Music , art , and pet therapy