Rapid City Hospital adds passcode access to Women/Children areas

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Jan. 30, 2019) – Beginning Feb. 4, visitors to Monument Health Rapid City Hospital Women’s and Children’s Services will need to use a four-digit passcode to reach the Labor & Delivery, Mother Baby, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Pediatric departments on the second and third floors near the hospital’s West Entrance elevators. The Children’s Miracle Network funded the project to keep our most vulnerable populations safe.

“We’ve added this additional service because we want to add a layer of safety for patients and caregivers, and allow new mothers and families of young children more security and privacy while they are with us,” said Kamela Johnson, R.N., director of Women’s and Children’s Services.

It has become standard practice at hospitals across the country to require this extra level of security in departments that serve newborns and young children, she added. It is also a recommendation of The American Academy of Pediatrics and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Upon check-in, the patient or their guardian will be given the passcode. They can share the passcode with friends and family members for visitation. The visitors will use the passcode to enter the Labor & Delivery, Mother Baby, NICU or Pediatric departments. Monument Health caregivers will be able to scan their identification badges to gain access to Women’s and Children’s Services.

Johnson also reminded potential visitors to avoid visiting the Women’s and Children’s areas if they are experiencing symptoms of cold, flu or other ailments. The immune systems of premature infants and hospitalized children are often compromised, making them especially vulnerable to serious illness. Monument Health is dedicated to providing safe, quality care to patients and families.

About Monument Health
Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health (formerly Regional Health) is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 33 medical specialties and serves 20 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 4,500 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is comprised of 5 hospitals, 8 specialty and surgical centers and more than 40 medical clinics and health care service centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

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CONTACT:
Dan Daly
Communications Specialist
Strategic Marketing and Communications
Monument Health
605-755-9178
ddaly@monument.health