ICU Visiting Guidelines
Family and Friends Are Part of the Team
Sometimes a patient's stay in the ICU is planned; sometimes it's unexpected. In any event, we understand how much you want to be there. We recognize your contribution to the care team and the importance of your visits. We also know that you, too, will need support, reassurance and information.
Visiting Hours
You're most welcome to visit any time, but please note these visiting hours are based on patients' condition, required rest time and shift changes for caregivers. Please do not visit during the following times:
6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (shift change)
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (patient rest time)
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (shift change)
When you do visit, we recommend keeping visits short and conversations light.
During Your Visit
You'll find a comfortable, welcoming waiting room just outside the ICU with a phone, reading material, and access to complimentary coffee and tea. Here is where you may use a mobile phone to make important calls.
The following guidelines will help you to help us create a healing, therapeutic environment:
Reassure and touch your loved one. A reassuring touch may be just what's needed. Ask a nurse for guidance if you're worried about disturbing the patient or interfering with equipment that may be attached.
Help us help your loved one. We welcome your visits, but if there's an emergency or we need to perform a special procedure, you may be asked to leave the room. We'll let you when you may safely continue visiting the patient.
Help us create a healthy environment. Please help us create the most healthy environment possible by staying home if you have — or think you might have — a cold, fever, the flu, or were recently exposed to a contagious disease. Flowers are not allowed because of infection-control requirements.
Children are welcome. Children often bring special energy into the ICU, but if they're sick, please keep them home until they're well. Ask a nurse for help preparing your loved one when your child arrives for a visit.
Designate a family spokesperson to help us communicate. You can help our nurses by selecting one family member to ask for and receive medical information. Please note that federal regulation (HIPAA) prohibits from providing information without patient consent.