Visitation to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital (FMH) has been highly restricted since the outbreak of the coronavirus earlier this year. 

Although routine visitation will continue to be limited until the transmission of the COVID-19 is no longer a threat to our patients, our staff and the community, FMH has established more patient-friendly restrictions. 

Beginning Monday, Oct. 19, one support person per patient will be allowed at FMH. There are two exceptions, pediatric patients can be accompanied by both parents and patients receiving end of life care can be accompanied by two visitors.

“The restrictions that have been in place, while necessary, have been emotionally challenging for our patients, our employees and the community. We recognize that loved ones are an important part of the care team,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Angelique Ramirez. “The work to understand the disease and to mitigate its transmission is continually evolving. We have to stay a step ahead of it while balancing it with our obligation to provide the very best care possible to our patients --- and that work almost always includes loved ones.” 

FMH is currently at a Level 3 restriction with visitation only allowed in very few areas. It will remain at a Level 3 but with more patient friendly restrictions including: 

• One support person per patient permitted
• Two support people for patients receiving end of life care
• Parents of a minor child are permitted
• FMH is closed to volunteers, community chaplains, and non-critical contractors
• Service in the Café is limited
• Denali Pharmacy is open
• Business Office and Medical Records are phone and email service only (closed for walk in service)
• Gift Shop is limited service
• Community education classes are limited
• Mandatory screening and masking for everyone over 2 years of age
• Individuals who fail to comply with masking must exit the building

Fairbanks is experiencing very high numbers of virus transmission within the community. While it might seem contrary to adjust visitation restrictions, strict adherence to COVID protocols by FMH staff has shown to be effective in controlling the spread of COVID. The ability to provide more lenient restrictions is dependent upon visitor and staff compliance to all protocols. In addition, it is essential that all FHP employees enforce adherence to all precautions. 

Visitors who are non-compliant with masking protocols will be asked to leave the building. 

Restriction levels are posted and shared using a variety of channels in order for visitors and patients to know in advance what to expect. Those channels include; FHP website, FMH Facebook page, external signage, the FHP information line (907-458-5066), and of course visitors can call the main FMH line.