McLaren Bay Region
Patient and Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Guidelines

Effective immediately, due to a significant decline in COVID-19 cases throughout the community and within our hospitals, the visitor policy has returned to pre-pandemic guidelines for McLaren Bay Region and McLaren Bay Special Care. This policy pertains to McLaren Bay Region's main campus located at 1900 Columbus Ave., Bay City, as well as at McLaren Bay Special Care located at 3250 E. Midland Rd., Suite 1, Bay City.

"This is a huge milestone for us, marking the first time we have reverted our visitor policy back to our normal pre-pandemic guidelines since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic almost two years ago," said Norman Chapin, MD, Chief Medical Officer at McLaren Bay Region. "We are excited to make this change for our patients. We understand the important role family and friends play in the healing process, and we are grateful for the declining COVID-19 numbers in our community which have made this change possible."

Regular visiting hours for McLaren Bay Region and McLaren Bay Special Care are 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Guidelines may vary by department, notably Behavioral Health, ICU/NICU/CCU, and Inpatient Rehab, but each is established in the best interest of the patient. It is important to mention children are permitted with proper adult supervision except as noted in each area. "If you are unsure of visitor restrictions for a specific department, we welcome you to call ahead," said Chapin.

As a reminder, the following guidelines must be followed by all visitors:

• Prior approval by the patient's nurse must be received before bringing in any type of food, beverage or medication.
• No smoking regulations must be observed.
• Visitors are requested to maintain the common courtesy of no more than two visitors per patient at one time. Special circumstances will be considered.
• When a physician or other member of the hospital staff arrives, visitors may be requested to leave the patient's room, which allows the patient to have privacy and efficiency of care. However, visitors may stay in the room if requested by patient and provider.
• Clergy may visit at any time the patient wishes.
• Visitors will be requested to observe hospital quiet time from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

As the visitation policy changes, McLaren Bay Region and McLaren Bay Special Care will continue to keep patients and the community informed through their respective websites, mclaren.org/BayRegion and mclaren.org/BaySpecialCare as well as on their social media platforms.

Visitor Expectations

• Quiet Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (observed on all units)
• Check In: All visitors must be screened.
• Children: Children under age 12 (must be accompanied by an adult)
• Cell Phones: Cellular equipment may interfere with hospital monitoring systems. Please use cellular phones only in designated areas of the hospital.
• Visitation Restrictions:
• Non-Smoking: Smoking and/or the use of any tobacco product, including electronic cigarettes, is not permitted anywhere in the hospital or on hospital grounds.
• Masks: Must be properly worn (covering the mouth and nose) throughout the hospital and in patient rooms.
• Hand Hygiene: Please regularly practice proper hand hygiene upon entering and exiting patient rooms.

Visitor guidelines are subject to change in order to meet health, safety, or other emergency needs. Any and all such changes will be clearly communicated to visitors at the Information Desk.

After Hours

Visitors may enter through the Emergency Department between 8:00 pm and 5:00 am
Visitors will be screened by security personnel and approved by the Nursing Unit prior to visiting.

Specialty Units

Birthing Center

• General Visitation: 8:30 am to 8:00 pm (as desired by patient)
• Fathers or birth partners: Any time.
• Quiet time: as desired by patient.
• Patients in labor may have two visitors in attendance which includes the coach/support person. Other arrangements can be made in special circumstances with the Providers approval.
• There is a limit of 2 healthy adult visitors per patient. At this time, minor visitors are not allowed. Visitors who are ill, especially with a fever, should refrain from visiting.

Behavioral Health Unit

• Tuesday 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Weekend and Holidays: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Exceptions may be granted by the patient’s psychiatrist for visitation at other times.

Critical Care Units (ICU)

• One to two family members each hour on the half hour.
• Other limitations may be in place depending upon the patient’s condition. Please check with the nurses on the unit for up-to-date information.
• Visitors are encouraged to check at the Nurses' Station before entering a patient's room. Children under the age of 12 are encouraged not to visit. However, the Critical Care staff will work with the family if there are unusual circumstances. Food, beverages and cell phones are not permitted.

Emergency Department:

• Two (2) visitors are allowed per patient who will serve as spokesperson for the patient.
• Additional visitors may be allowed for extenuating circumstances.

Geriatric Psych:

• Tuesday 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weekend and Holidays: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Exceptions may be granted by the patient’s psychiatrist for visitation at other times.

Inpatient Rehab:

• Visiting hours (West Campus - Rehabilitation Unit) are Monday -Saturday, 3:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. and Sunday, 1:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M., or may begin after the last therapy session.
• The number of visitors in a patient’s room are to the discretion of the Rehab staff.
• Exceptions are as follows:
• Scheduled conferences and family/significant other training.
• Specific appointments with Rehab Staff and/or Specialists.
• Primary Caregivers are allowed and encouraged to come at any time.

Pediatrics

• General Visitation: 8:30 am to 8:00 pm
• Parents: Any time
• Siblings: May visit during regular visitor hours and remain with parents. Minors are not allowed to spend the night.

Electronic Device Use

To preserve the integrity and privacy of all patients, the use of ALL cameras and recording devices, including but not limited to, cell phone recording functions, is prohibited in patient care settings. Additionally, the use of mobile and electronic devices should be limited in patient care settings, and is prohibited in certain patient care settings if the use will interfere with medical equipment use. These areas will be marked accordingly to ensure patient safety and compliance.

Parking and Directions

Patient and visitor lots are located immediately to the west and south of the main campus. Please follow the parking signs.

Cost

Free parking is available at all McLaren Bay Region campuses.

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