Visitors are welcome and encouraged, as they can be a patient's best medicine. However, in the interest of a patient's rest and well-being, there are times when visitors may need to be limited.
Effective Monday, November 9, 2009, new visitor guidelines will be implemented in an effort to limit exposure and possible spread of flu to patients, visitors, and staff during this unusual flu season. The new policy recommends friends and family members not visit if they have flu-like symptoms such as a cough, fever, runny nose, and sore throat. In addition, only two visitors per patient will be allowed at a time and children under the age of 16 will not be permitted. Pregnant women are at special risk and are also advised not to visit.
Visiting Hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- We ask that the number of visitors at a patient's bedside is limited to two at any time.
- In most areas, children are permitted to visit, but must be supervised by an adult at all times.
- It is recommended that visits from children not exceed 30 minutes.
- Please respect the privacy of other patients and their guests while visiting.
- Patients may be asleep at any time, so please be considerate and keep noise to a minimum.
- Visitors may be requested to leave a room at the discretion of the nursing or medical staff.
Entrance to the Medical Center during non-visiting hours is very restricted. Visitors needing to enter the Medical Center between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. must enter and check in through the Emergency Department waiting room entrance and obtain a Visitor Pass. Permission to enter during non-visiting hours is only granted under specific circumstances and must be obtained in advance by the patient's nurse.
Protection for Patients
Please do not visit if you have a fever, a cold, sore throat, flu, or if you have been recently exposed to, but have never had, chicken pox, measles or mumps.
The following areas of the hospital have specific visitor guidelines due to the nature of their care.
Maternity - (209) 467-6410
The birth of a new baby is an exciting time and we understand that family and friends are anxious to visit. The security, safety and comfort of our patients and babies are of utmost importance to us. These guidelines were developed for your benefit to ensure a pleasant, healthy birthing experience.
Children under age 12 are not allowed in the department. Exception: after delivery, brothers and sisters of the newborn, accompanied by an adult, are welcome during regular visiting hours. Short visits are best for your children.
Other visitors are always welcome during regular visiting hours, but please limit the number of visitors at the bedside to three people at any given time.
Visitors must not have fever, cold, cold sores, diarrhea, vomiting, rash or skin sores. Visitors who have been exposed to such illnesses as chickenpox or measles may not visit.
Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) - (209) 467-6428
Parents are encouraged to visit often and designated grandparents may visit as well. Bedside visitors are limited to two people at any given time. Parents and visitors will be asked to leave during procedures, shift report, and physicians' rounds. Information regarding the infant's condition will be given to the parents only.
Pediatrics - (209) 467-6346
Parents or guardians may visit at any time. Only two visitors per patient, including the parents, are allowed at the bedside. Shorter visits with friends and extended family are best for the pediatric patient. Visitors must be at least 16 years of age. One parent may stay in the room with the patient at night.
Intensive Care (ICU) - (209) 943-2000
Visitors are permitted according to the patient's condition and will be determined by the physician or nursing staff. The length and time of visits may be adjusted by the nurse caring for the patient.
Skilled Nursing (SNF) - (209) 467-6394
Visitors are always welcome. However, the length and time of visits may be adjusted by the nurse caring for the patient.
Cellular Phone and Personal Computers
Cell phones may be used in the hospital provided the user does not disrupt a quiet and restful environment or compromise patient confidentiality. Personal computers may be used in waiting rooms and in most areas of the hospital. In patient rooms, please check with the nurse before using the computer.
Smoking
For the good health of our patients, visitors and staff, St. Joseph's Medical Center is a tobacco-free environment. This means that smoking and tobacco use is not permitted anywhere on the St. Joseph's campus, including buildings, groudnds, parking areas and walkways.
