Patients & Visitors
Is it safe to have surgery at your hospital?
Our hospitals continuously work to be prepared for all types of infectious diseases. In addition to wearing facemasks and other personal protective equipment, and washing hands before and after caring for each patient, we have taken a number of additional steps designed to keep all who enter the facility safe. These include:
- Access remains controlled with limited entry points. In Port Charlotte there are only two entry points to the building, the Main Entrance and ER. In Punta Gorda, access remains controlled with only one entry point to the building, the ER.
- Everyone who enters the hospital is screened, including physicians and staff.
- All employees, physicians, and patients are expected to wear masks.
- Surgical patients are tested for COVID-19 as part of pre-surgery and are asked to self-quarantine after the test is performed. Upon arrival the day of their procedure, they will receive a screening questionnaire and be asked to wear a mask.
- Cleaning and disinfection has intensified, especially frequently touched surfaces and spaces.
- The number of procedures performed each day is being limited to minimize wait times.
- Any suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients in the hospital are grouped together in the same unit away from other patients with dedicated care teams that do not cross over to non-COVID-19 care zones.
Where do I go for Pre-Admission Testing?
At both facilities, pre-admission testing is done by appointment. Once your appointment is scheduled you will be instructed where to go.
Where do I go when I come back for my surgery?
As you come to the hospital for your appointment, you will be instructed to enter through the Main Entrance or ER Entrance and we ask that you bring and wear your own personal mask. Your temperature will be taken and you will be asked a few questions as part of the screening we do for everyone who enters the hospital, including staff. Once inside, a staff member will escort you to our pre-op surgery department.
Do I need a COVID-19 test before my surgery?
A COVID-19 test will be a part of your pre-surgery testing. Your doctor will let you know if this is needed and will arrange for you to complete your pre-surgery testing within 48 - 72 hours prior to the date of the procedure to allow time to receive the test results. If you are tested, you will need to self-quarantine after the test is performed.
Why do I need to self-quarantine after my COVID-19 test?
To protect you, our physicians and staff, everyone entering the building must be free from symptoms of the coronavirus infection. Entering self-quarantine after you’ve been tested for COVID-19 limits your exposure to anyone who may be carrying the virus and prevents the spread of disease.
Current Visitor Guidelines
To minimize unnecessary exposure to infectious or communicable diseases, we are temporarily changing our visitor’s policy beginning August 2, 2021
- Visiting Hours are from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days per week.
- Healthy visitors are asked to bring a face mask or face covering, which must be worn the entire time they are in the facility. If you do not have a face covering, one will be provided.
- Patients admitted to the hospital will be allowed one healthy visitor at a time.
- Emergency room patients are allowed one healthy visitor in the treatment room; however visitation may be restricted based on the patient's condition.
- One healthy visitor is allowed for each patient who is having surgery. The visitor must remain in the designated waiting areas.
- Visitors must be at least 18 years of age or older unless they are the parent of a minor child.
- Patients with visitor restrictions, such as patients on isolation precautions, will be allowed visitors when their condition improves.
- Visitation exceptions may be requested and will be reviewed by administration.
Women's Services
- Healthy birthing or care partners for obstetric patients are limited to two and must remain the same persons the entire stay.
- Both healthy parents and/or guardians may visit patients in the neonatal intensive care unit.
- Visitors must be at least 18 years of age, including siblings.
The emergency department will continue to be available 24/7. We will continue to welcome those serving as interpreters, acting as health care power of attorney for patients or for a patient facing an end-of-life prognosis.
The hospital has free Wi-Fi, so we encourage friends and family to connect with their loved one using Facetime or another video communication app.
At ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, we understand that coming to the hospital as a patient or as a loved one's support person can be a difficult, often overwhelming experience. Whether you’re preparing for a hospital stay or stopping by to see friends and family, knowing where to go and what to bring will help make your visit less stressful. To make your experience easier, we want to provide you with helpful information you may need to plan your visit, such as what to expect, parking instructions, transportation and more.
View our Online Patient Guide