Southcoast Health changes visitor policy, closures

FALL RIVER, MASS. (WLNE)- Southcoast Health suspended inpatient visitations on Wednesday, and announced closures due to staffing challenges.

“Due to the rapidly rising number of COVID-19 cases in the community and for the safety of our patients and healthcare workers, Southcoast Health hospital patient visitations have temporarily been suspended,” Southcoast stated.

Exceptions for this policy can be found on the Southcoast Website.

All approved visitors under these exceptions are required to show proof of vaccination or provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result provided within 24 hours of visit.

The hospital asks all visitors to remain masked despite vaccination status, and remain in the patient room during their stay unless entering or exiting the building.

Southcoast Health Rheumatology and Infectious Disease appointments previously scheduled at Charlton Memorial Hospital will be temporarily relocated to Fall River, effective on Tuesday, January 18.

Their Middletown urgent care facility is also temporarily closed due to continued staffing shortages in result to a surge in COVID cases.