The change follows the loosening of visitor restrictions at hospitals enacted by Vermont Governor Phil Scott last week. Vaccination has made visiting hospitalized patients much safer for everyone, including our staff, other visitors, and patients, said Trey Dobson, SVMC s chief medical officer. A loved one can play an important role in a patient s wellbeing and recovery, and we are pleased to be able to safely welcome one vaccinated visitor per patient back to SVMC. The immediate past policy, directed by the Governor, indicated that only a required caregiver, someone whose presence is necessary for the purposes of delivering care, was allowed to accompany a patient in the emergency department, perioperative department, adult inpatient units and outpatient appointments for adults, and pediatric appointments and inpatient stays. Narrow exclusions allowed for expectant parents to have a certified doula in addition to their required caregiver and those at the end