MVH changes ER visitor policy
Monongahela Valley Hospital has changed its emergency department visitor policy to provide patients increased safety and privacy in the treatment area. The policy is effective immediately.
“We know when people are ill or injured they want their loved ones with them,” explained MVH President and Chief Executive Officer Louis J. Panza Jr. “However, there are times when it is in the best interest of the patients to have their loved ones remain in the lobby until their conditions can be stabilized or emergency care can be provided.”
According to Janine Valko, MVH’s director of emergency services, the staff’s goal is to reunite the patient with family as soon as possible.
She said MVH was one of the few hospitals that still allowed family unlimited access to the treatment area. Now, once the medical assessment is performed, staff will notify registration personnel that the loved ones can join the patient. Parents can still accompany their children; and, if patients are confused or cannot speak for themselves, their family members may be escorted to the treatment area to provide assistance.