Patient & Visitor Information
Currently, we have protocols in place to maximize the safety of all who enter our hospitals and facilities. These safety protocols follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and include limiting visitors within our facilities. We did not make this decision lightly, and thank you for your understanding. We will continue to evaluate our visitation policies in order to balance the needs of our patients and families with the need to limit exposure to COVID-19.
Family caregivers are vital members of the care team. During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic, Good Shepherd Penn Partners seeks to maximize family caregiver presence while keeping patients, caregivers, and staff safe.
How are we responding to COVID-19?
- All of our facilities, including outpatient locations, are hospital based, so we are held to a very high safety standard when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting patient rooms, therapy equipment, tables, common areas and high touch surfaces.
- We clean each piece of equipment before and after use and have increased the frequency of deep cleaning procedures in both inpatient and outpatient locations.
- In addition, our employees practice rigorous hand washing procedures and use personal protective equipment (PPE) when appropriate.
- We have implemented visitor restrictions at our inpatient facilities and companion restrictions for our outpatient facilities;
- Pre-screening patients at outpatient facilities to ensure they are healthy upon arrival and are restricting access for anyone with fever or symptoms of a respiratory infection;
- Placing volunteer duties and activities on hold;
- Eliminating on-site visits from third-party vendors; and,
- Eliminating deliveries of food, flowers, etc. to patients.
- Offering virtual visits for patients who are unable – or not yet ready – to leave their homes.
Inpatient Visitor Restrictions in Place
Patients at Good Shepherd Penn Partners Specialty Hospital (LTACH) and the Penn Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine, a unit of the Hospital of the University of Penn (HUP) located at Rittenhouse, can have two healthy (i.e. no fever or other signs of illness) visitors (aged 12 or over) at a time. Patients may have up to two family caregivers present for family meetings and goals of care/end of life discussions.
At this time, patients with COVID-19 may not have in person visitors. Accommodations will be made for virtual visitation. Exceptions will be permitted for patients with special circumstances (such as long length of stay) and for patients at end-of life. Approved visitors will receive information about risk of infection and will be asked to put on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (gown, gloves, medical mask, and eye protection/face shield). Unit staff will show you how to put on/remove PPE to ensure your safety and reduce the risk of viral spread to others.
Visitation Hours:
- Specialty Hospital (LTACH): Between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Penn Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine (PIRM): Between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Outpatient Therapy
Outpatients can have two healthy (i.e. no fever or other signs of illness) support persons.
Health Screenings
When entering Penn Medicine at Rittenhouse or a Good Shepherd Penn Partners outpatient facility, all patients and visitors must complete a health screening. This screening can be performed electronically via smartphone, tablet or computer prior to visiting via this link: https://pennmedicine.org/prescreen. If using a computer, print the “green pass” and bring it with you. You will receive screening information prior to or upon your visit.
Face Coverings
To help maintain a healthy environment, all patients and visitors/caregivers must wear a surgical facemask throughout their visit. A surgical facemask can be provided onsite if need.
Visitors/caregivers must also practice social distancing, restricting movement in the facility as much as possible. Visitors will not be permitted in the gym unless invited by therapist for family training.
For Patients on COVID Precautions:
To ensure your safety, the clinical team will schedule your visit 24 hours in advance. For your visit, you will receive information about risk of infection and will be asked to put on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (gown, gloves, medical mask, eye protection/face shield). Unit staff will show you how to put on/remove PPE to ensure your safety and reduce the risk of viral spread to others.
* If you are unable or unwilling to wear PPE, staff can provide alternative visit methods such as videoconferencing.
UPHS Novel Coronavirus Information
Valet Parking
To limit COVID-19 exposure, valet service is currently closed at Penn Medicine at Rittenhouse. Discounted parking is available for visitors in the garage located at 1740 South St.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and for trusting us with your care or the care of a family member.