Hospital restricts visits

Dr. Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital in Tucumcari is restricting visits during an upsurge of coronavirus cases in the state.

“We understand the importance of patients having access to their loved ones while receiving care at our hospitals; however, we must also allow put safeguards into effect that ensure the safety of our patients and workforce,” a news release Thursday from the hospital stated.

Effective Oct. 22, Trigg Memorial Hospital was not allowing visitors. Exceptions include the following:

• Children admitted to the hospital

• Maternity units

• Patients receiving end-of-life/palliative care

For these exceptions, one visitor per patient will be allowed. Visitors who meet one of those guidelines still will be screened.

“We know that this will impact the connection between patients in our facilities and their loved ones,” the news release stated. “We encourage loved ones to connect with patients through options such as phone calls, Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp and other online platforms.”

Presbyterian Health Services, which operates the Tucumcari hospital, stated it would continue to monitor the risk of COVID-19 and would make adjustments to visitor restrictions as necessary.