Safety First

Healing our communities, one patient at a time. 

CHI Memorial has taken every precaution to protect patients and caregivers. Any patient with COVID-19 or who is being actively tested to rule out COVID-19 is placed in units separate from other patients. These measures have helped to keep everyone safe; this process of isolating patients in the testing pathway, masking and monitoring, will continue indefinitely. CHI Memorial will continue to obey strict social distancing and will continue to restrict visitors to ensure proper social distancing. The hospitals are very safe and we intend to ensure they remain so.

  • Every staff member, patient, and visitor is screened and required to wear a loop mask.
  • COVID-19 testing for patients prior to conducting certain procedures to provide appropriate care and reduce the risk of infection for caregivers.
  • Prioritization of procedures, reduced patient volume for physicians and caregivers, and social distancing guidelines for visitors.
  • Careful monitoring of the number of COVID-19 patients in the community.
  • Enhanced cleanings and disinfection throughout our facilities and in all operating rooms between procedures and at the end of every day.

Serving our communities is our calling. We look forward to doing what our mission calls us to do each day and provide the care that our patients and our communities depend on. Our care environment is different than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are just as dedicated to providing high-quality care that is responsive to the needs of our community and reflective of the dedication of our caregivers. Thank you for your support in creating a safe care environment.


General & Emergency Department (ED) Visitation

  • One designated visitor per 24 hours is welcome per patient. If during the hospital stay, the designated visitor needs to change to a different person, the patient will notify the nurse. If the patient is unable to identify a visitor, the power of attorney will be responsible for identifying the designated visitor.
  • Children under age 14 are not allowed to visit.
  • Visitors will be screened upon entry, every time.
  • Visitors must wash hands upon entry and wear a loop mask at all times (including when in the patient’s room). Gloves may not be worn by visitors.
  • Visitors may exit and reenter the facility via the B entrance until 7 p.m. and A entrance until 9 p.m. Reentry is not available after those times. 
  • Visitor must stay in room, leaving only to obtain food from the cafeteria or Subway. Visitors may not use the lobby areas as lounge areas.

Intensive Care Units (ICUs)

  • One designated visitor will be welcome per patient following visitation hours: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Please do not arrive prior to visitation hours for social distancing.
  • Visitors may not stay in between visitation hours or overnight in waiting room areas.

Exceptions

  • End of life patients – those patients not expected to survive a hospital stay – 2 visitors will be allowed to rotate every 24 hours and 1 visitor will be allowed to remain overnight. (Max of 3 visitors in 24 hours). (Non-COVID Med/Surg/Tele Units). General visitation rules apply.
  • For emergency surgeries and procedures, one visitor may check in after 9 p.m.

Visitors may not accompany patients who are having a non-invasive outpatient test without sedation unless the patient clearly needs assistance due to issues with physical mobility or mental/verbal comprehension.

No visitors for positive COVID-19 patients or those on the PUI COVID pathway.


Entrances for Visitors

CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga

  • Guerry Heart and Vascular Center patient rooms: Entrance A from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • South tower patient rooms: Entrance B from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Fri; 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sat-Sun.
  • 4 East patient rooms: Entrance F from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
  • Critical Care Unit patient rooms: Entrance A
  • MICU and CVICU patient rooms: Entrance B

CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson

  • Main Entrance: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Emergency Department Outpatient Services: 24/7

CHI Memorial Hospital Georgia

  • Main Entrance: 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Emergency Department: 24/7
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Paused Programs & Services


The following programs and meetings are suspended until further notice:

  • Center for Cancer Support group meetings
  • Pet therapy program
  • Church meal service
  • Farmer's market   
  • Visiting musician’s program 
  • Patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC) meetings

Coronavirus  Information 

Do you have symptoms of COVID-19?


According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.

If you think you may have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or exposure, please stay at home to protect yourself and others. 

What to do to help reduce the spread of illness

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Practice social distancing, by avoiding crowds and remaining 6 feet apart from each other while in public places.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like countertops, door handles, faucets, and phones.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • If you need medical care and have COVID-19 symptoms, please call ahead first.