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Visitor Guidelines

Thank you for all that you do to keep our patients and colleagues safe. It is important to note that we have visitor restrictions in place for this very reason.

A patient is in bed with a loved one holding their hands A patient is in bed with a loved one holding their hands

Important Information for Hospital Visitors

  • For our patients comfort and optimal recovery, visitors are limited to 2 visitors at one time.
  • Children under the age of six (6) are restricted from visiting in general patient care areas.
  • Children under 16 years may not be left unattended and are restricted from isolation rooms, critical care and obstetrics.
    • Sibling visitation in Obstetrics is an exception to the children visitor policy. Sibling visitors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
St. Elizabeth's appreciates visitors considerations of our patients’ right to privacy. At any time while visiting friends or loved ones, visitors may be asked to leave the patient room in order for the physician or nursing staff to privately discuss the patient’s care.

ER/CDU

  • Visitors limited to two.
  • No food or drink may be taken to patient care areas.

Critical Care

  • Visitors limited to immediate family and significant others. Number of visitors for each patient is limited to two at any given time and they may be asked to leave the bedside during change of shift report.
  • Must be 16 years of age and older.
  • Visiting hours are open throughout the day. Quiet time is observed from 2 to 4 p.m. and midnight to 4 a.m. daily.
  • No food or drink allowed in the unit..

Maternity

  • Support person of mother: anytime
  • Other adults and siblings of the newborn: 12 to 8 p.m.

Pre-delivery (Labor) Area

  • Limited to two adults (including significant other). Waiting in labor and delivery hallway poses a safety and patient confidentiality risk, additional visitors will be restricted to waiting in the visitor's lounge.

Special Care Nursery

  • Parents and grandparents: anytime
  • Siblings of the newborn and adult visitors designated by the parents are to visit during normal visiting hours.

Visitor guidelines are subject to change at any time to address the health needs of our communities in central and southern Illinois.

Wearing a mask is optional for most patients and visitors. Please understand that there are some exceptions when masking will still be required in our HSHS facilities in Illinois.

Masks are still required for patients and visitors who: 

  • May have respiratory illness, or symptoms similar to COVID or the flu.
  • Have been exposed to someone with COVID in the last 10 days.
  • Work or live in an area that is experiencing a COVID outbreak.
  • Visit or care for patients who are in isolation. 

Additionally, patients may request that anyone in their care team wear masks in certain situations and we will respect and honor their wishes.

As we continue to monitor community transmission levels of all respiratory illnesses, HSHS reserves the right to require masking at any time, should community transmission levels change.

Threatening or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. Our hospital is a safe and healing environment. Disruptive persons will be asked to leave our facility.

Loved ones can be checked on by calling the hospital at 618-234-2120. Family and support persons should make sure to provide the nursing staff with their contact information. In addition, St. Elizabeth’s is working on ways to facilitate electronic communications for those who wish to utilize them including use of iPads and the EASE app to allow real-time updates and videos to family members.
The Gift Shop, located on the first floor next to Café Latte Da'. The shop has gift items, jewelry, magazines, greeting cards, candy, flowers and plants. Stop by to visit the art exhibit of our monthly featured artist.
 
Hours
7 a.m. to 3 p.m.,  Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.,  Saturdays, Sundays and most holidays
 
Flowers, Balloons and Newspapers
Florists deliver flowers directly to the hospital. For infection prevention reasons, flowers and metallic-coated balloons are not allowed in Pediatric Intensive Care Units. The materials in the metallic‑coated balloons can cause static electricity and pose potential risks to the patient. For the safety of our patients and guests with latex allergy, we also ask that you do not bring latex balloons.