Patients & Visitors
Is it safe to have surgery at your hospital?
Our hospitals continuously work to be prepared for all types of infectious diseases. In addition to wearing facemasks and other personal protective equipment, and washing hands before and after caring for each patient, we have taken a number of additional steps designed to keep all who enter the facility safe. These include:
- Access remains controlled with limited entry points. In Port Charlotte there are only two entry points to the building, the Main Entrance and ER. In Punta Gorda, access remains controlled with only one entry point to the building, the ER.
- Everyone who enters the hospital is screened, including physicians and staff.
- All employees, physicians, and patients are expected to wear masks.
- Surgical patients are tested for COVID-19 as part of pre-surgery and are asked to self-quarantine after the test is performed. Upon arrival the day of their procedure, they will receive a screening questionnaire and be asked to wear a mask.
- Cleaning and disinfection has intensified, especially frequently touched surfaces and spaces.
- The number of procedures performed each day is being limited to minimize wait times.
- Any suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients in the hospital are grouped together in the same unit away from other patients with dedicated care teams that do not cross over to non-COVID-19 care zones.
Where do I go for Pre-Admission Testing?
At both facilities, pre-admission testing is done by appointment. Once your appointment is scheduled you will be instructed where to go.
Where do I go when I come back for my surgery?
As you come to the hospital for your appointment, you will be instructed to enter through the Main Entrance or ER Entrance and we ask that you bring and wear your own personal mask. Your temperature will be taken and you will be asked a few questions as part of the screening we do for everyone who enters the hospital, including staff. Once inside, a staff member will escort you to our pre-op surgery department.
Do I need a COVID-19 test before my surgery?
A COVID-19 test will be a part of your pre-surgery testing. Your doctor will let you know if this is needed and will arrange for you to complete your pre-surgery testing within 48 - 72 hours prior to the date of the procedure to allow time to receive the test results. If you are tested, you will need to self-quarantine after the test is performed.
Why do I need to self-quarantine after my COVID-19 test?
To protect you, our physicians and staff, everyone entering the building must be free from symptoms of the coronavirus infection. Entering self-quarantine after you’ve been tested for COVID-19 limits your exposure to anyone who may be carrying the virus and prevents the spread of disease.
Current Visitor Guidelines
Effective Thursday, September 24, we are inviting visitors back into our facilities on a limited basis. Having a loved one at the bedside can be helpful during the healing process, so we are happy to welcome our visitors back into our facilities, all while maintaining certain safeguards and measures for the safety of all.
The following visitation guidelines will be in place:
- Visiting Hours will be 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days per week.
- All visitors must enter through the ER or main entrance in Port Charlotte, and ER in Punta Gorda, to be pre-screened prior to entering the building by receiving a temperature check and answering a series of questions regarding recent travel.
- Anyone visiting is asked to bring an approved facemask or covering which must be worn the entire time they are in the facility. If the visitor has no mask, a mask will be provided.
- ER patients are allowed one visitor in the treatment room; however, visitation may be restricted based on patient condition.
- Patients admitted to the hospital will be allowed one visitor at a time.
- Birthing or care partners for obstetric patients are limited to two and must remain the same persons the entire stay.
- Both parents and/or guardians may visit patients in the neonatal intensive care unit.
- Visitors must be at least 18 years or older unless they are the parent of a minor child.
- One visitor is allowed per patient who is having surgery. The visitor must remain in the designated waiting area. If the patient is admitted as an inpatient, the visitor must leave unless they meet any of the previous mentioned exceptions.
Patients with visitor restrictions--such as isolation precautions--will be allowed visitors when their condition improves. If anyone has traveled from a high-risk area for COVID-19, had contact with a person known to be infected with COVID-19 without wearing the proper protective equipment, is currently being tested for COVID-19 or is experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms, they will not be allowed to visit unless seeking medical care themselves.
We encourage our patients that are able to connect with family and friends by using Facetime or another video communication app. Patients have access to our Guest WiFi network and we will assist patients and family with these connections. We have iPads available specifically for this purpose..
These restrictions and protocols are intended to provide additional safeguards for you, our patients and caregivers through decreased exposure to individuals who may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. We appreciate the community’s understanding and compliance.
At Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, we understand that coming to the hospital as a patient or as a loved one's support person can be a difficult, often overwhelming experience. Whether you’re preparing for a hospital stay or stopping by to see friends and family, knowing where to go and what to bring will help make your visit less stressful. To make your experience easier, we want to provide you with helpful information you may need to plan your visit, such as what to expect, parking instructions, transportation and more.
View our Online Patient Guide