UPDATE: Eisenhower Health once again allowing visitors at Emergency Department and inpatient areas
Update 2/22/22:
Eisenhower Health has updated its hospital visitation policy, following the latest regulations from CMS and CDPH.
The tiered system introduced in January have been removed, as hospital officials found it was not compatible with the new regulations.
"As of February 9, Eisenhower Health reverted back to a policy similar to what was in place prior to the tiered system, in which visitors must provide proof of vaccination, proof of a negative test for those who are partially vaccinated or unvaccinated, or proof of COVID-19 recovery in the last 90 days," writes Lee Rice, public information officer for Eisenhower Health.
For the most up-to-date information regarding visitors to the hospital visit: https://eisenhowerhealth.org/patients-visitors/visiting-hours-and-policies/
Original Report 1/25/22:
Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage will be further restricting visitation to hospital patients due to high transmission rates of the COVID cases in the area.
The new guidelines go into effect Wednesday.
A statement on the new visitation guidelines from Eisenhower Health reads:
"To address the ongoing changes with the pandemic, Eisenhower Health has updated its visitation guidelines to change according to current Covid-19 transmission levels in the Coachella Valley. Community transmission levels will be reviewed and Eisenhower’s visitation guidelines will be adjusted (or remain the same) each Monday accordingly. Eisenhower Health encourages patients to connect with their loved ones electronically via video chat, phone, or text when the visitation restrictions are most restricted as we know that communicating with loved ones is an important part of a patient’s healing and recovery. We thank our incredibly supportive community for their cooperation and understanding as we continue to provide the very best care for our patients."
As you can see in the chart below, the temporary changes include 'no general visitation' for patients in Adult Inpatient, Surgery, the Emergency Department, and other areas.
There are exceptions, of course, and limited caregivers allowed in Pediatric and Birth Center areas.
LEVEL 4 (High Transmission): Inpatient Areas and ED
| Patient Type | Visitors/Caregivers | Hours/Duration | Notes |
| Adult Inpatient | No general visitation | ||
| Pediatric Inpatient | One (1) healthy caregiver | All hours | Two (2) primary caregivers on visitor list for duration of hospitalization. Caregivers can switch twice per day in the hospital lobby. |
| The Family Birth Center (LDRP) | One (1) healthy visitor | All hours | Visitor is one of the two primary visitors on visitor list. Doulas allowed during the labor phase of admission only. |
| NICU* | One (1) healthy caregiver | All hours | Overnight caregiver. |
| Surgery Patients | No general visitation | Escort must wait off-site. Necessary visitation granted by exception. | |
| Special Procedures Unit (Cath Lab & EP Lab) | No general visitation | Escort must wait off-site. Necessary visitation granted by exception. | |
| Emergency Department | No general visitation | All hours | Two (2) visitors are allowed only for patients with specific caregiving needs. Patients with disabilities (physical, intellectual, cognitive impairments and/or developmental disabilities). |
Officials said the visitation guidelines will be updated weekly, every Monday. Additional updates will be addressed for any significant shifts impacting visitation.
Go to https://eisenhowerhealth.org/visit/ to get the latest visitation guidelines.
Hospital officials said the hospital has reached a high transmission level. The hospital metrics take into account the Valley's case rate & percent positivity, as well as the hospital's own percent positivity.
According to the hospital, its percent positivity is at 40.6% as of Monday.
According to the hospital, as of last Tuesday, the Coachella Valley's percent positivity was 11.3%.
The hospital has reported between 80-90 COVID patients within the last week and a half.
All visitors to Eisenhower Health are required to wear a face mask when entering the building. The hospital also requires proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated visitors will need to present proof of a negative SARS-CoV-2 test collected within 72-hours before each visit, which is in line with CDPH guidelines.
All visitors will be asked to have their temperature taken and asked some COVID-19 health screening questions upon arrival. Visitors who present with visible signs of respiratory illness, COVID-19 symptoms, or present with fever when screened will not be permitted to visit.
Visitor Restrictions for Desert Care Network Hospitals
(Desert Regional Medical Center, JFK Memorial Hospital, Hi-Desert Medical Center)
Click here for latest info on Visitations at Desert Care Network hospitals
The following visitor policy is currently in place at all Desert Care Network hospitals:
- Labor & Delivery, Postpartum Patients: One visitor permitted; no substitutions
- NICU, Pediatric Patients: Two designated visitors permitted through duration of stay; no substitutions
- Surgery Patients: May have one visitor in pre-op/post-op
- Emergency Room Patients: No visitors unless medically necessary
- COVID-19 Positive Patients: No visitors unless end-of-life
- End of Life Patients: Limit of two visitors per patient at a time
- All Others: Limit of one visitor at a time; shared occupancy with face shield (issued on unit)
- Acute Rehab: No visitation from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily
All visitors and vendors must show proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (includes booster) or documentation of a negative test in the preceding 24 hours.
Other Guidance for Visitors:
- Keep the provided mask on at all times
- Gel and wash hands frequently
- Restrooms are located at the east end of the main lobby
- No gathering in hallways or waiting areas
- Proceed directly to and from your friend/family member’s room
- Maintain social distancing of at least six-feet while moving through the hospital
- Limit four people per elevator
- Gel in and out of your friend/family member’s room
- Have your friend/family member wear a mask while you are at the bedside
- Refrain from accessing the cafeteria
For those who cannot visit loved ones, Desert Care Network offers online Cheer Cards with customized messages. Click here for more information.
