WellSpan Health is announcing a new process for visitor identification beginning Nov. 1. As part of ongoing efforts to keep hospital patients, staff and visitors safe, visitors entering WellSpan York Hospital will need to present a photo ID to obtain a visitor identification badge. This will apply to both main and emergency department entrances to the hospital. No one will be turned anyone away due to a lack of photo ID.
“At WellSpan Health, safety is our top priority. It’s a responsibility we take seriously and that is why we are making the effort to improve upon our visitation system,” said Victoria Diamond, senior vice president, WellSpan Health; president, WellSpan York Hospital. “A healing environment is so important for our patients, and that can only be achieved when patient feel safe and secure in their environment.”
This new identification process will allow security and hospital employees to recognize visitors who have already been at the hospital for 12 hours. It will also help staff account for individuals at the hospital in the event of an emergency. If a visitor wishes to stay longer than 12 hours, they can re-register at the information desk.
“We are always looking for ways to improve patient and visitor experience and safety at our hospital,” said Casey McDermitt, manager, safety & emergency management, WellSpan York Hospital. “The implementation of this new badge policy is in line with other visitor identification process that are currently in place at other healthcare systems.”
This new policy will currently only affect visitors at WellSpan York Hospital. To view WellSpan’s current visitation policy and stay up to date on certain limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.WellSpan.org/Visit.
