At Willis-Knighton Health System, the health and safety of our patients, staff and communities is our first priority. We remain vigilant in our commitment to safety for our patients, our visitors and our employees. With each shift of the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapt and provide you with up-to-date information about facility policies.

Hospital Information

Infectious Disease Specialty Unit             

A specially-designed unit has been designated for infectious diseases at Willis-Knighton Medical Center. The Infectious Disease Specialty Unit offers a carefully controlled environment with expert care from a team that specializes in this unique type of care. Restrictions and precautions in this self-contained unit isolate these patients from other areas of the hospital. 

Masks

Masks are required in certain circumstances at the hospital:  You are visiting a COVID-19 positive patient, you are visiting a patient receiving chemotherapy, or you if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19.  Of course, anyone may wear a mask if they choose and masks are available at most entrances.  

ABOUT VISITATION

Visitor Policy Update – Updated May 24

Willis-Knighton allows two visitors per patient. This includes pediatric patients as well as Labor & Delivery.

GENERAL INPATIENT VISITOR POLICY

The general policy is two visitors at a time for each patient. Exceptions may be made by administrative staff for specific issues, such as end of life, pre- and post-operative conversations, cognitive impairment and similar concerns. Visitors must be age 18 or older.

There may be rare circumstances when an exception is made, but these must be approved by an administrator or nursing house supervisor only. If staff encounter excess visitors, they are asked to courteously explain the policy and request excess visitors to leave.

PEDIATRIC PATIENT  (NICU, PICU, Pediatrics)

Children in the hospital may have two visitors at a time.

LABOR & DELIVERY

A mother in active labor may have two visitors. No other visitors are permitted on the labor and delivery units.

OVERNIGHT VISITORS

A visitor (age 18 or older) may spend the night with a patient.

PATIENTS WITH COVID-19

MASKS are required.  2 visitors are permitted.   Exceptions will be made for end of life, or other special circumstances. 

CLERGY

Members of the clergy are not included in a patient’s visitor count. Like other visitors, they must wear a mask at all times.  They are permitted to don personal protective equipment to provide last rites or spiritual support in end-of-life situations.

OUTPATIENTS

For patients undergoing an outpatient procedure, two visitors are permitted, and must be age 12 or older.

Emergency patients are permitted one visitor/person accompanying them.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT YOUR LOVED ONE IN THE HOSPITAL

• Keep in touch using electronic communications. If your loved one does not have a telephone, the nursing supervisor can provide one to assure daily contact.
• Respect the caregivers on the floors who are working long hours and giving up their time at home with their families to care for your loved one.
• Send cards or letters to your loved one. They will be delivered, and it will brighten your loved one’s day.
• Pray for your loved one and for the workers who are providing care and those supporting them.

We will all get through this together – cooperation is critical!

Waiting Areas

We continue to encourage social distancing.

Hand Sanitizer & Soap Dispensers

Hand sanitizer is found throughout our hospitals, in patient rooms, by elevators, in hallways, in cafeterias and in staff break rooms. 

Cafeterias

Many food items are wrapped or packaged individually.

Please use hand sanitizer before handling serving spoons / tongs at self-service stations such as the salad bar.

Virtual Consultations with Specialists

Our hospitals offer telehealth consultations with specialists when required, further limiting traffic in the hospital.

Hospital Office Buildings

Visitors to hospital office buildings are encouraged to continue wearing a mask if desired.