Visitor Guidelines

Visitor Guidelines

Updated Visitor Guidelines

Updated: Monday, April 24, 2023

Effective Monday, April 24, 2023, at 8 a.m., updated inpatient and outpatient visitor guidelines will be implemented for all St. Elizabeth Healthcare hospitals. There is no limit on the number of visitors for inpatients during the established visiting hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Children under the age of 14 are permitted unless specified by the department/unit. (Please scroll down to see specific department information.)

Overnight guests permitted in special situations. Overnight stays must have approval of both the unit leadership, the nursing supervisor and security. Overnight stays will be re-evaluated on a daily basis.

St. Elizabeth Edgewood visitors can enter the hospital through the Main Entrance – 1a.

PLEASE NOTE: COVID-19 positive inpatients may receive two visitors per day during the scheduled inpatient visitor time frames.

All visits should be coordinated with the charge nurse of the unit for COVID-19 positive patients. Overnight visitation for patients who need additional support may be allowed with approval by the charge nurse. Once the visitors exit the unit for the day, they are not able to return.

Visitors of COVID-19 positive patients will be required to sign a waiver and will be instructed on proper isolation processes by team members.

MASKING IS OPTIONAL FOR ALL PATIENTS, GUESTS, PHYSICIANS, PROVIDERS, ASSOCIATES AND VOLUNTEERS AT ALL
ST. ELIZABETH HEALTHCARE AND
ST. ELIZABETH PHYSICIANS FACILITIES.

Specific Department/Unit Updates:

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT:

  • Two visitors per ED patient will be permitted. Other visitors will need to remain in the car and not in the lobby. Visitors may switch during the patient visit while in the ED.
  • If the patient is less than 18 years of age, two visitors are permitted, one parent or legal guardian will be required to accompany them.
  • Patients admitted from the ED with visitors will be required to follow the inpatient visitation process.
  • Known COVID-positive patients are not permitted visitors.
  • If a patient is tested for COVID, the visitor may remain with the patient until test results are obtained. A positive test result will require the visitor to return to the car.
  • Proper masks and social distancing will be required at all times, including in the patient room.
  • Visitors must remain in the patient treatment room at all times.

For Emergency Department patients being admitted outside of standard visitation hours (8 p.m. to 8 am.):

  • One or two visitors may accompany the patient for up to two hours to assist with the transition to inpatient care.
  • If visitor(s) desire to stay overnight, they must arrange with the house supervisor at that facility.
  • Visitation badges will be provided for these visitors.

MATERNAL FETAL CENTER:

  • Patients receiving ultrasounds are permitted three visitors. Visitors may not switch out or be replaced by another person during the visit. All other appointments in the Maternal Fetal Center, one visitor is able to accompany the patient.
  • It is not recommend that children under 14 accompany patients to the Maternal Fetal Center.
  • Patient care partner must wait in assigned patient room and leave only for the bathroom.
  • Minors (children under 18) who come in for outpatient services, procedures, or treatment ARE permitted to have TWO (2) adults accompany them. The adults may not switch out or be replaced by another adult once here and may not return once they leave the facility.

THE FAMILY BIRTH PLACE:

  • Labor and Delivery:
    • One designated support person for mothers delivering babies is permitted in triage.
    • One designated support person and three visitors are permitted in the room for delivery (total 4 people)
    • One designated support person is able to accompany mothers having a cesarean section.
    • One designated support person and three visitors at a time are permitted for prenatal patients (total 4 people)
    • Only one support person is able to stay overnight.
    • Siblings older than 18 months are permitted to visit between 11am-1pm and 5pm-7pm. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, who is not the patient, at all times.
  • Post Labor (1B Unit):
    • One support person and three visitors at a time are permitted during visiting hours (total 4 people).
    • One support person is permitted to stay overnight.
    • Siblings older than 18 months are permitted to visit between 11am-1pm and 5pm-7pm. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, who is not the patient, at all times.
    • Siblings are not permitted to stay overnight
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit:
    • The mother of the infant and significant other (2 individuals with the infant identification bands) are permitted to visit in the NICU at any time.
    • The mother may designate people to visit baby, but they must be accompanied by a parent.
    • Only four visitors are permitted at the bedside at a time.
    • Siblings of the infant who are at least 2 years of age are permitted to visit in the NICU. All siblings in the NICU must be free from any symptoms of illness including: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, rash, cold sores, and conjunctivitis (reddened eyes).
    • Siblings must be supervised by an adult, other than the parent, at all times when in the NICU or in the NICU family waiting area.
    • Sibling visitation is not available during the Flu/RSV season and may be suspended at any time by the NICU Medical Director or Nursing Managers for infection control reasons.
    • Siblings will not be permitted to stay overnight.

  • COVID-19 Positive Patients for Labor and Delivery and Post Labor (1B Unit):
    • COVID-19 positive patients may have one support person during the mother’s stay and two additional visitors each day. Once these additional visitors exit the unit, they will not be able to return.

SURGICAL SERVICES:

  • Edgewood, Ft. Thomas, Dearborn, Edgewood Surgery Center, Crestview Hills Surgery Center:
    • Adult Patients: Two visitors are able to come in and stay in the waiting room, then return to the post-op area after the procedure to assist with the patient’s discharge process.
    • Pediatric Patients: Two visitors are able to come in and stay in the waiting room, then return to the post-op area after the procedure to assist with the patient’s discharge process.
  • Florence:
    • Adult Patients: One visitor is able to come in, and then leave during the procedure, then return to assist with the patient’s discharge process as instructed by the RN.
    • Pediatric Patients: Two visitors are able to come in and stay in the waiting room, then participate in the post-op discharge process as instructed by the RN.

Women's Wellness and Breast Health:

  • Due to the sensitive nature of patient discussions and physical exams, exposure to radiation during breast imaging, and the potential to interact with patients who are immunocompromised, children under the age of 14 are not permitted to visit Breast Health or Women’s Wellness.
    • Any child under 14 years must be accompanied by an adult who can remain with the child outside of Breast Health for the duration of your visit.

IF VISITORS DO NOT COMPLY WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS, THEY WILL BE UNABLE TO ENTER THE FACILITY.