For Hospital Visitors

Date Last Updated: October 10, 2022

Visitation Policy Update

As our ministry continues to respond to COVID-19, our highest priority remains to be the safety of our patients, families, and team members. Prevention is the key to containment of viruses like COVID-19, which is why for your safety, St. Francis Medical Center will allow limited visitation for patients.

Patient Visitation Guidelines

• Each non-COVID positive patient will be allowed to have one person stay overnight. This visitor must be in the patient's room before 8 p.m.

• Visitors must be 12 years of age or older (exception: Siblings of newborns or children of expecting moms with extended stays will be allowed to visit from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily with no age restrictions).
• Visiting hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 
• Masks (see below)
• Visitors must present a valid ID for the check-in process and will receive a personalized name tag that must be worn for the duration of their visit
• Outside clergy are allowed to visit with patients at any time.

We strongly recommend people who have chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung or heart disease or are older than 70 do not visit patients in our facilities for their own protection.

Exceptions to the Visitor Policy:

• COVID-19 Positive Patients (both floor and ICU): In-person visits will be limited to three visitors for 60 minutes a day each between the hours of 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at a time coordinated with the physician/nurse care team, except in end of life situation where extended times of visitation may be coordinated with the House Supervisor. Visitors must be 12 years of age or older.
• Intensive Care Unit (non-COVID): 
  Two visitors will be allowed per day between the hours of 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. Visitors will be allowed at the bedside and able to switch out.
  
• OB/Labor, Delivery & Postpartum:
  Open visitation. Siblings of newborns or antepartum moms with extended stays will be allowed to visit from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU):
  Open visitation for those who are 18 years of age or older (visitation is not allowed during these hours: 6-9 a.m. and 6-9 p.m.)
• Pediatrics and PICU:
  Two parents/caregivers will be allowed to stay with the child throughout their stay, including in ER. 
• Pre-Admit Surgery Clinic Appointments:
  Patient may have one adult accompany them to their appointment ONLY if assistance is needed.
• Surgery and Procedures (day of surgery):
  Patients undergoing surgery or procedures may have three visitors prior to and after return from surgery and then adhere to visiting hours listed above. No more than two visitors at one time.
• Emergency Department (COVID and non-COVID patients):
  One visitor is allowed during a patient’s emergency department stay (visitors are allowed to switch out) with the exception of pediatric patients as listed above.
• End of Life:
  Patients admitted for end-of-life evaluation and treatment may have immediate family members visit and the number of visitors and times for visitation must be coordinated with the unit's Director and House Supervisor.

Masks

Connecting Virtually

We understand and recognize how important the support of family and loved ones are to our patients while we care for them. We encourage our patients to visit virtually with their loved ones through cellular devices, so they can still be connected and feel supported during their time with us. We have iPads in the hospital to help facilitate virtual communication between patients and their loved ones, who may be unable to visit at this time.