COVID-19 Visitor Restrictions
Visitor Restrictions
Odessa Regional Medical Center is fully prepared to care for our patients and our community. Out of an abundance of caution, we have implemented visitor restrictions in response to the increased presence of COVID-19 in our community that is designed to further protect our patients, their families and our staff.
We remain ready to serve all of your health care needs and have taken the necessary steps to ensure patients can receive care in a safe environment. Our stringent safety measures include: mandatory wearing of masks, social distancing in waiting areas, and vigilant cleaning in all areas, which includes the use of EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectants validated for use against COVID-19. We also pre-screen all patients scheduled for procedures, and screen everyone before they enter the hospital.
The health and safety of our patients, visitors, employees, and our communities remain our top priority at Odessa Regional Medical Center. Therefore, in line with the latest guidance provided by the CDC and the Texas Department of State Health related to COVID-19, we maintain a no visitor policy with the following exceptions:
- Pediatric care: ONE parent/guardian permitted
- Maternity and Labor and Delivery Units: ONE significant other/support person permitted
- Special Care Nursery: TWO parents/support persons permitted
- Other extenuating circumstances (such as hospice and end-of-life care) will also be considered based on the best interest and needs of the individual patient. All exceptions must be approved by the care team.
- Medical/Surgical: One adult visitor per day.
- Telemetry: One adult visitor per day.
- CCU: One adult visitor per day.
- OBED: One adult visitor per day.
- ER: One adult visitor per day.
- Please note: For patients with physical and intellectual disabilities, ONE support person over the age of 18 is permitted. Support persons must pass our screening process, and there are no restrictions on visiting hours for support persons
Visitors or caregivers qualifying for these exceptions must:
- Meet clinical criteria used for general visitation, i.e., pass COVID-19 screening. The screening includes a temperature and symptom check, at least 24 hours fever free without the use of fever-reducing medications, and improved symptoms.
- Use PPE appropriate for the patient they are supporting. In the event the patient is COVID positive, the support person must use hospital-provided PPE.
- Wear a face mask for the duration of their visit and are encouraged to bring their own masks; surgical masks will be provided to visitors who don’t have their own. Scarves, bandannas, and handkerchiefs are not allowed. Refusal to wear a mask will result in the revocation of visitation privileges.
Additional Considerations:
- Emergency Department/Outpatient Appointments: One visitor/patient/day. Visitor may stay with patient in the waiting room, once patient is moved to a room visitor must remain in the patient room or outside the hospital.
- Surgical Patients: Visitor may stay in the lobby with the patient until they are called back to the surgical area. Visitor must remain in the patient room or outside the hospital while the patient is in surgery and until the recovery period is complete.
While we are sensitive to the difficulties facing loved ones of hospitalized patients, our health care team must keep our patients and staff safe during this unprecedented health emergency. We encourage family members and friends to use alternative ways to interact with their loved ones, including phone calls, Facetime and Skype.
Points of Entrance
All patients who enter the hospital through available access points will be screened immediately upon arrival. Points of entrance will be limited to:
- ER main entrance 24/7
- West Campus south entrance 24/7 (located near the Community Health Center)
Everyone on Steward properties should have a mask on, including patients and visitors.
This new measure has been put in place for your protection, as well as the protection of patients and hospital staff.
We ask for your understanding and appreciate your cooperation in our commitment to keeping our community safe.
Steward Health Care