Because of increases in coronavirus cases in Sedgwick County and across Kansas, Wesley Healthcare will be going back to full visitor restrictions on Friday, July 10th. That means no visitors will be allowed in general at Wesley Medical Center and Wesley Woodlawn Hospital & ER.

No visitors will be allowed except for:

·         One-to-two parents or guardians for infants and pediatric patients.

·         One parent or guardian overnight for pediatric patients or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) babies

·         One support person for laboring mothers and new moms

·         One support person for patients with disabilities or impairments warranting assistance

·         One patient advocate pre-/post-surgery

Those who qualify for these exceptions will be screened and masked as they enter the hospital.   Any visitor who screens positive for a respiratory illness will not be allowed to enter.   Some exceptions may be allowed for end-of-life situations or extenuating circumstances, but they will be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Hospitals in Wichita have raised concerns about significant increases in infection rates of COVID-19, as well as increases in hospitalizations.    Wesley Healthcare president and CEO Bill Voloch said COVID-19 patients are still being isolated in separate units within the hospital.

Wesley Healthcare will continue to perform scheduled surgeries and procedures, and all surgical patients are being tested in advance for coronavirus.

Wesley’s chief medical officer, Dr. Lowell Ebersole, said it’s hoped that the recent masking orders in Wichita and Sedgwick County will have the desired effect in helping to reduce the rate of infection among local residents.  He said it’s important for everyone to wear a mask in public and maintain proper social distancing, along with regular hand washing.

Ascension Via Christi has announced similar restrictions.  One visitor will be allowed for labor and delivery, the newborn and pediatric intensive care units, and pre and post-operative care.

Via Christi said end-of-life situations “will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.”