Public Response Regarding Rapid Testing for Visitor Exceptions and Considerations at Sierra View Medical Center

We continue doing everything we can to keep our patients, visitors, and employees safe during this ongoing pandemic and the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. As of August 11, 2021, we updated our visitor policy and began requiring mandatory proof of vaccination or recent COVID-19 testing due to the mandate issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on August 5, 2021. We have since received questions and concerns about our new visitor requirements and want to take a moment to address them so that our community and patients feel confident in knowing how to navigate this moment in time with us.

While other hospitals have enforced NO VISITORS policy with no exceptions, Sierra View Medical Center leadership has chosen to continue to welcome visitors in some scenarios. Some areas in the hospital continue to welcome visitors, but all outpatient locations have moved to allow no visitors. For hospital areas not allowing visitors, such as the Emergency Department (ER), we have set exceptions and considerations for patient visitation, including imminent death patients, pediatric patients (minors), disabled adults, and labor & deliver patients. For a complete description of our visitor policy, please visit www.sierra-view.com/visitors.

Areas Accepting NO VISITORS (Including ER)

One key question we have received relates to emergencies involving minors or disabled adults. Please do not worry, we have processes in place to support family members and support persons for these patients. For areas of the hospital with a NO VISITORS policy, nursing leadership may allow caretakers or parents/guardians to visit. These visitors will still be required to show proof of full vaccination or documentation showing a negative COVID-19 test where the specimen has been collected within 72 hours before each visit. Each visiting scenario will be addressed individually. If a visitor cannot produce a negative COVID-19 test as requested, Sierra View Medical Center will perform a rapid test using the laboratory within the hospital.

What can visitors approved to receive rapid COVID-19 testing at Sierra View Medical Center expect?

We understand that keeping up with the ever-changing guidelines to visit loved ones can add to already stressful situations. We are doing everything we can to accommodate visitors unable to produce proof of vaccination or recent COVID-19 testing. On a case-by-case basis, visitors approved to receive a rapid test at Sierra View can expect to be directed to our testing facility within the main hospital and then wait in the lobby for the results within the hours of 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Any testing needs outside of those hours will be assessed by nursing leadership. Lab result times vary but rest assured, visitors in these scenarios will have a place to wait indoors as we receive clearance to welcome them into our facilities.

On behalf of Sierra View’s Senior Leadership Team and nursing leadership, we thank you sincerely for your contribution to keeping our hospital and community safe.

Additional Questions?

Should you have any questions about visitor guidelines or rapid testing at Sierra View, please contact SVMC Marketing at marketing@sierra-view.com