Visitor Guidelines

CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System COVID-19 Visitor Statement

The health and safety of our patients, visitors, Associates and our communities remain the top priority at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System. Therefore, in line with the latest guidelines issued by Governor Greg Abbott and other state health officials related to COVID-19, we have revised our visitor policy. We thank the community for understanding and cooperation during this difficult time. Effective tomorrow, Monday, March 30, 2020, at 12 p.m. CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System has implemented a NO VISITORS POLICY except those essential to patient care. This is difficult for all of us because we are a family at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas and we know how important family can be for our patients. However, we have to ensure that we are doing best by all of our patients and ensure everyone has a safe and healing environment during their stay with us. CHRISTUS Southeast Texas continues to screen everyone who comes into our facilities through designated entrances including physicians and Associates. Essential visitors are visitors that are required to accompany the patients for vital care or communication needs, as outlined below:

Emergency Department: None; except parents with children under 18, one visitor with patients unable to make decisions and for those in a critical situation (number of visitors will be determined by medical/nursing staff)

Inpatient/Intensive Care Unit Visitors: No visitors except for those in a critical and end of life situation

Outpatient Visitors: No visitors unless caregiver is necessary for transport or assistance

Labor & Delivery Patients: One support person only (no changing out)

NICU & Pediatric Patients: Two parents ONLY. Pediatric patient parents not allowed to leave room

End of Life Care: Exception will be made by medical/nursing staff for clergy and family

Patients Undergoing Outpatient Procedures or Testing with Sedation: No visitors.

Patients can be dropped off at designated entrances. Patients will give contact information to hospital team of a support person to contact with patient status or that the patient is ready for discharge.

“We continue to follow the CDC’s guidelines at all times, as well as the guidance we receive from the Texas Health Department. We are firmly convinced that it is the diligence of our clinical caregivers and the excellent care they provide that will steer us through this pandemic,” said Paul Trevino, President and CEO of CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System. “While COVID-19 is new, our processes and procedures in place for infection prevention and preventing the spread of illness are not. We successfully practice infection prevention every day. We can assure you that your care and safety are a top priority.

Universal Masking

The health and safety of our patients, visitors, Associates and our communities remain of utmost importance. Beginning Monday, April 6, patients and visitors will be required to bring their own mask to wear while in our hospitals or outpatient clinics. You can learn more about how to make your own cloth masks by visiting the CDC website. Our health professionals providing care for presumed COVID-19 or known COVID-19 patients are expected to wear N95 respirator masks. Hospitalized patients do not have to wear a mask while in their rooms.