Visiting of Patients

Visiting guidelines are established to provide patients the opportunity to designate and receive visitors of their choice and to provide an environment that maintains the safety/security of patients, visitors, and the hospital, prevents the transmission of community acquired infections, and provides a restful, healing environment. 

General Inpatient Areas

In general, family members and visitors are welcome from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, unless one or more of the following considerations are noted, or other special circumstances apply as described in this policy. The patient or the patient’s designated representative in conjunction with the nurse and healthcare team may make visitation limitations. Family and visitors will not be denied access to the patient without a legitimate reason, as determined by the hospital. 

Emergency Department

Due to the acute needs of Emergency Department patients and environmental limitations, visitation is limited to two visitors per patient in the treatment area. Additionally, during triage a designated support person may accompany the patient upon their request. A designated support person may also escort the patient to the treatment area.  After the patient’s initial assessment, a second visitor is welcomed to visit the patient in the treatment area.   

After-hours Visitation

As a measure to ensure the safest possible environment for patients and others in the hospital, all visitors who are in the hospital between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. will wear a personalized photo badge. The visitor will obtain photo badge by going to the security office. St. Elizabeth allows for the presence of a support individual of the patient’s choice, unless the individual’s presence infringes on others’ rights, safety or is medically or therapeutically contraindicated.

Each hospital location will have a SINGLE entry point with all other entry points locked at 9 p.m. 

1. The visitor will supply identification to a member of the Security team. 
2. The information will be entered into a visitor database.
3. A photo badge will be generated and issued to the visitor. 
4. Badges are void after 24 hours. 
5.  Visitors must go directly to the Security Department to obtain an after-hours badge.
6. Facility entry points after 9 p.m.:

• Covington – Emergency entrance
• Grant – Emergency entrance
• Ft. Thomas – Emergency entrance
• Florence - Emergency entrance
• Edgewood - Emergency or Night Entrance

To download a PDF of St. Elizabeth Healthcare's Policy and Guidelines for Visiting of Patients, please click here.

Please Note: St. Elizabeth Healthcare reserves the right to limit visitation in any situation it deems necessary.