Augusta University Health issues updated policy on support persons in Emergency Department

In an effort to safely keep families together as cases of COVID-19 increase in our area, one support person may still accompany a patient seeking treatment in Augusta University Health’s adult emergency department. However, due to social distancing requirements, the support person must wait outside until the patient is placed in an exam room.

“We want to keep the patient and their family member or support person together in the exam room as they are part of the care team. The presence of their loved one is important in helping the patient better understand treatment options and in making any necessary decisions, as well as helping to reduce the patient’s anxiety. In order to do this, we’re practicing safe social distancing in the seating area,” said Julie Moretz, chief experience officer and associate vice president of Patient- and Family-Centered Care.

No changes have been made to the pediatric emergency department. Patients can have two support people accompany them. However, parents/primary caregivers are asked not to bring siblings for their safety.

Hospital visitation policies remain unchanged. Adult patients in the AU Medical may continue to have one support person and pediatric patients may have two adult support persons.