Marian Regional Medical Center Relaxes Visitation Policies

Updated guidelines recommended by Santa Barbara County Public Health

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SANTA MARIA, CA – June 4, 2020 – Marian Regional Medical Center, after receiving updated information and guidelines from the Santa Barbara County Health Department, is modifying its visitor policy. Marian will continue to take the necessary precautions in compliance with federal, state, and local guidance, as the safety, health care, and well-being of our patients and community remain our first priority. 

The new policy guidelines are as follows: 

• All visitors must be 16 years of age or older. 
• One visitor at a time per patient is allowed in the hospital, with exceptions for individual situations requiring special consideration.
• Visiting hours are from 10a.m. to 8p.m. with exceptions for individual situations requiring special consideration. 
• Patients and visitors may enter through the main hospital entrance, Emergency Department, and outpatient hospital entrance. 
• All community workshops and classes, bariatric seminars and support groups, prenatal classes, birthing tours and classes will be offered electronically until further notice.  
• Only one labor and delivery care partner is permitted.
• The hospital café is following local public health guidelines and is serving pre-packaged items. This will not impact patient nutrition.
• We are offering patients the convenience of electronic communication options, including video availability, as an alternative to hospital visitation. 

Everyone that enters the hospital will be screened using the standards established by the Santa Barbara County Health Department. Additionally, masks are required at all times. 

By continuing to limit the number of people in the hospital setting, we are following the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines for reducing the spread of flu-like illnesses. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Older individuals with severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. In addition, remember to wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, and avoid touching your face.

If you would like to visit someone in the hospital but you are experiencing fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and/or nasal congestion, please visit on another day when you have been symptom free for at least 48 hours. For additional questions, you may call the hospital hotline number at (805) 332-8276.

For the latest hospital specific information, please visit: www.dignityhealth.org/marianregional. For the latest information on COVID-19, please visit the Santa Barbara County Health Department.

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About Marian Regional Medical Center
Marian Regional Medical Center is a technologically advanced, 191-bed facility that provides safe, quality care.  Marian has been a recipient of the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence and was also named among the Top 10% in the Nation for Critical Care by Healthgrades. Marian is designated a STEMI Receiving Center in Santa Barbara County, and is designated a Level III Trauma Center by Santa Barbara County’s Emergency Medical Services Agency. The facility has achieved prestigious designation as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission for advanced, comprehensive care for stroke patients. Our cancer care program is accredited as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, and received the Outstanding Achievement Award. The campus houses a comprehensive perinatology/ neonatology program, providing specialized care to the tiniest of patients.