COVID-19 Updates

We encourage you to check this page regularly for updates. We continue to implement several safety measures in alignment with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and Dartmouth Health.

Important updates and information in this section:

Patient and visitor screening and mask policy

New masking policy

Starting Monday, April 10, 2023, we are able to safely relax earlier face mask standards due to the drop in COVID-19 cases in our area. In most cases, we will not require healthy people to wear masks. There will be times a face mask is required. Including:

  1. If you have been around someone with COVID-19 or infected with this virus within the last 10 days
  2. If you are ill or have symptoms that include coughing, runny nose, sore throat or trouble breathing.

 We are mask-friendly and continue to offer masks at no cost in our buildings.

Visitor Policy

Anyone accompanying patients to a NLH or NHC facility but who, for whatever reason, are not allowed into the building will be directed to parking areas on campus where they can remain until called by the patient.

These updated guidelines reflect the ever-changing conditions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. These visitor guidelines will remain in place until such time as conditions and cases dictate our revisiting public safety concerns relative to these guidelines. 

Inpatient visitor policy

Effective Wednesday, 2/23/22, NLH has revised the Inpatient Visitation Guidelines as follows:

Non COVID patients:

Visitors to our inpatient department; 8am to 8pm daily:

All inpatients are allowed one visitor at a time in their room each day.

Patient at end-of-life is allowed up to two visitors at a time.  These may rotate among a larger group, but others must wait outside the facility for their turn.  No restriction to time of day.

Visitation is restricted to the patient room only.  Please refrain from going elsewhere in the building.

COVID positive patients:

Only COVID positive patients who are receiving end-of-life care may have visitation.  One visitor at a time with full PPE.  No restriction to time of day.

Family Meetings:

We encourage the use of video or telephone visits for family meetings.  For in-person family meetings, 2 family members (as designated by the patient) may attend.  When applicable, one of the attendees should be the surrogate decision maker or may be the Designated Power of Attorney (DPOA), and one additional person to support the DPOA, both of whom may attend in person. Remaining interested family members should be present by video or phone.

Note: Exceptions to these guidelines must be reviewed by the Director of Inpatient Services or CNO. All visitors to the Inpatient area will be required to wear a medical mask at all times, including while in the room with the patient.  No eating or drinking is allowed.

The exceptions noted above will be managed by door screeners when existing notification and authorization steps have been followed. Inpatient staff will be alerted via phone 603-526-5210, when visitors arrive. 

Outpatient clinics, radiology and rehabilitation services visitor policy:

We encourage patients who are able to receive care without a visitor to please do so.  A patient with an appointment who requires direct assistance for mobility, communication, or cognitive issues may have one (1) person accompany them for the visit. 

Adult Primary and Specialty Care Appointments:

One (1) masked caregiver may be with the patient.

We encourage those who are able to attend without a caregiver to do so.

Pediatric Care Appointments:

Two (2) dedicated masked adult primary caregivers (parents, guardians, or support persons)

Emergency Department Visitor Guidelines:

  • Patients 17 years of age and younger may have one (1) parent/guardian with them. The person with them must remain in the room and will be asked to communicate with the nurse or provider if they need to leave the room to minimize exposure and keep everyone safe. Parents or Guardians will be allowed to switch out.
  • Patients 18 years of age or greater may have one (1) person with them. The person with them must remain in the room and will be asked to communicate with the nurse or provider if they need to leave the room to minimize exposure and keep everyone safe.
  • If the patient’s condition suggests they may have an infectious disease, the person with them must remain in the room with the patient until this is determined.
  • If the patient presenting at the ED is a known COVID-19 positive patient, visitors will be restricted unless patient condition warrants the presence of a support person. Visitors will be educated on appropriate use of PPE (mask, gloves and gown). 
  • Visitors may be required to wear a medical grade mask. It must be worn during their entire time in the ED/hospital. No eating or drinking is allowed when this mask requirement is in place. 

 

Please note: There may be times when our waiting area in the ED becomes too crowded to remain safe. When this occurs, persons accompanying patients may be asked to social distance, relocate to alternate waiting area, or relocate outside the building.

The safety of our patients, their support person and our staff are of upmost importance in our Emergency Department. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

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COVID-19 testing

If you are symptomatic or think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please contact your primary care physician to schedule a COVID-19 test. Some of the key symptoms that determine whether a test is required include fever, cough, chest congestion, significant fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and shortness of breath.

COVID-19 vaccinations

Please contact your primary care physician to discuss current vaccination options. 

For current NLH patients only, appointments required. To schedule, visit: myDH.org. or call 603-526-5544.

The latest information about the vaccine is available at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics. Information will also be available through the myDH Patient Portal. If you do not have a myDH account, please sign-up by going to myDH.org.

Frequently asked questions

For answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Vaccine FAQ page on the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics website.

Other recommended vaccine resources

Additional information and resources

For additional information about COVID-19, visit the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics website. There you will find information on:

  • Prevention and treatment
  • Frequently asked questions (includes information for non-English or Limited English Proficient and American Sign Language community members)
  • Background and transmission
  • Additional Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services resources