How Nicklaus Children’s is Working to Keep You Safe
Nicklaus Children’s is closely monitoring the international and regional impact of COVID-19. As part of our commitment to the health and safety of our patients, visitors and staff, we have implemented new screening protocols and visitation practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
New Screening Protocol on Arrival
Everyone arriving at the main hospital or an outpatient center will receive an initial screening by the care team regarding specific criteria set forth by the CDC.
Fewer Campus Entrances at Main Campus
To ensure that we properly screen all patients and visitors at our hospital, we are limiting the number of entrances. For more details, visit Planning Your Visit.
New Visitor Policy for Inpatients and Emergency Room Visits
- Due to the current higher-than-usual rate of respiratory infections in our community, we have enacted changes to our inpatient, emergency room and outpatient care setting patient visitor policy across the health system. We are asking patient families to adhere to the following practices to ensure the safety of the children in our care.
- The new visitation policy limit visits with hospitalized children to only the same two people per room per day. Visitors can include parents or legally authorized representatives. No siblings are permitted at this time, with the exception of breastfeeding babies.
- For an emergency department visit, we ask that parents not bring other family members. Limiting visitors is an important way we can limit the spread of illness and keep everyone safe.
New Visitor Policy for Outpatient Visits, Urgent Care and Clinic Visits.
- A maximum of one (1) primary caregiver can accompany a patient who has an appointment at any of our clinics/centers or medical offices.
- Please do not bring extra family or friends to these visits (especially children under 12 years old).
- All visitors should perform hand hygiene upon arrival.
New Food Service Practices
The Nicklaus Food Service team is following guidelines from the CDC, local and state health officials, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Restaurant Association, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. As such, we are taking the following precautions in food services areas:
- The salad bar in the Golden Cub Café has been modified to offer an assortment of individually packaged fruit cups and salads.
- Soups and cereals are now served by staff, rather than the self-service format.
- Additional sanitizing stations have been installed in all retail venues.
- All food service team members are ServSafe certified and are taking additional precautions, including increasing the frequency of hand washing and glove changes.
- Dining seating areas in the Golden Cub Café and other food service areas are being cleaned and sanitized by our team members with a multi-surface cleaner and disinfectant with increased frequency throughout the day.
- We have eliminated trays for dine-in café orders and will continue to provide bags for customer convenience.
Working to Protect Our Community
Nicklaus Children’s leaders and staff are working diligently to ensure that hospital care teams are prepared to meet the needs of the local pediatric population. We receive daily guidance from the CDC and health departments, and communicate each day with staff to keep everyone informed. We have conducted extensive staff training related to best care management practices to ensure teams are prepared as the situation evolves.