Hospital restrictions during pandemic leave one family frustrated

Because of new hospital restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, family members were under very strict visitation rules.

“The nurses and staff have been absolutely fabulous they’ve provided great care," said Randy Hayes, Christina's father. "But they’re busy, and you just leave your loved one in the bed knowing they’re only going to be checked on as they can be checked on."

While he understands the policies are there for safety reasons, he says it doesn’t make it any easier knowing his daughter is alone during such a difficult and painful time.

“The dread that we have with leaving our daughter up there with really no advocate,” Haynes, said.

Christina’s mother, Janelle Haynes, was allowed inside for a few days because of her daughter surgery, but now she has to leave. Once she’s out, she won’t be allowed back in to prevent the risk of exposure.

Doctors to patients: our offices are safe from coronavirus

“I feel like I’m really letting my daughter down," Janelle Haynes said. "I feel like I should fight to stay here at least a few more days. But I also know I’m so tired at this point because nobody can come in switch out with me like would normally happen with my husband, who could come in."

Dr. Linda Butler said several things have led to these strict rules, including limited test kits and a low supply of personal protective equipment.

“Every time a family member would go into a room of a patient, they would wear the same equipment as we would and they would enter and leave the room multiple times, and we could see how our supply was dwindling, and we need that to keep coworkers and physicians safe,” Butler said.

Nurses complete hourly rounds to check on patients but they now have more on their plate.

“They are having to go in more frequently to meet the need of patients where a family member might have been able to hand them the tray or do other things, now it’s the nursing staff doing that,” Butler said.

Patients are allowed one visitor per stay. That visitor is screened and must stay inside the room with the patient at all times.

Butler said with everything slowly reopening, they’re preparing for a possible increase in COVID-19 patients, and they need to make sure they have all the supplies they need.