Memorial Hospital suspends all visits to nursing homes over new coronavirus
Memorial Hospital at Gulfport says it is adopting a no-visitor policy at the South Mississippi nursing homes it operates, according to its website.
Effective Thursday, visits are being prohibited at Memorial Driftwood Nursing Center in Gulfport, Memorial Stone County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Wiggins, and Memorial Woodland Village Nursing Center in Diamondhead, the website says.
“We understand how important the support of loved ones and friends is to residents during their stay,” Memorial’s statement says. “At the same time, the new coronavirus requires us to temporarily adjust our visiting policy in order to keep our residents and staff safe from infection.
“Memorial is working diligently on our preparations for managing the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19). Our goal is to ensure a safe environment for all colleagues, physicians, and other clinical support staff, which in turn provides a safe environment for our residents.”
Families can call, email, text, video chat or communicate with their loved ones through social media during the visiting prohibition, the announcement says.
The facility administrator should be contacted before anyone attempts a visit for emergency reasons, the website says. Memorial also suggests loved ones update the facilities with any emergency contact information, and says family will be notified if a resident or staff member is diagnosed with the coronavirus.
Memorial’s hotline is available 24 hours a day to anyone with questions: 228-575-1990.
