Visitor Guidelines

Visitor Guidelines

Updated Visitor Guidelines

Updated: Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Effective Tuesday, December 26, 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.

Visitors Under the Age of 14

Children under the age of 14 are not permitted unless specified by the department/unit. (Please scroll down to see specific department information.)

Visitors with Respiratory Illness

Visitors experiencing respiratory illness such as Influenza, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are not permitted unless specified by nursing supervisor or charge nurse. Symptoms of respiratory illness may include, cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever and/or sneezing.

Overnight Guests

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.

Visitors for COVID-19 Patients

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.

CRITICAL CARE/INTENSIVE CARE UNITS:

  • The Intensive Care Units of DEARBORN, EDGEWOOD, FLORENCE and FT. THOMAS support visitation- in accordance with guidelines set by St. Elizabeth policy and procedure re: infection control restriction and security badging after hours.
  • Due to the acute needs of the Intensive Care environment, visitors will be limited to 2 at a time. There are exceptions, in particular with end of life issues. Consult with the unit manager or team leader.
  • Children under the age of 14 are not permitted to visit for the safety and the wellbeing of the child. Under certain circumstances, there may be exceptions to allow children to visit. Consult with the unit manager or team leader.
    • In these instances, visitation should be limited to 10-15 min.
    • For safety reasons, children should not visit a patient in isolation precautions. In the event of extenuating circumstances, consult with Infection Control.
    • Children who are sick – fever – cough – rash – runny nose should not visit.
    • The child/children must be under the direct supervision of an responsible adult at all times.
    • Children should not be left unattended in the waiting area.

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.
  • Children under 14, including siblings, are not permitted in 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.
    • Children under 14, including siblings, are not permitted.
  • 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.
    • Children under 14, including siblings, are not permitted.
  • 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.
    • Children under 14, including siblings, are not permitted
  • 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.